Lauren Hoffman, [21 Oct 2023 at 11:03:28]: We have a grave malnutrition/starvation situation in an extensive wildlife area (224 km2), poor nutrient soil, overstocking. Early leaf-drop this year has severely affected browsers. We have also found some individuals with liver fluke and related liver pathology - would this be considered a huge problem or again, an incidental finding in a very debilitated animal? Roy Bengis, [21 Oct 2023 at 11:08:54]: Lauren, single liver flukes are also generally incidental, however, high parasitic loads can definitely be pathogenic. Lauren Hoffman, [21 Oct 2023 at 11:10:26]: 👍 any benefit in trying to manage this in an extensive system? Erik Verrynne, [21 Oct 2023 at 11:13:43]: No. Unless you have very valuable species. The internal parasites are part of the disease ecology and in balance with the host and environment. The moment the immune system of the host is compromised as in this case with drought, you will see an increase in parasite loads which can wear the host down. It’s part of the normal cycle. If you increase nutritional levels of the host, it will sort itself out. Roy Bengis, [21 Oct 2023 at 11:13:58]: Lauren, I doubt it. Improved habitat and browse is what they need. In a small intensive system, management would be an option. Lauren Hoffman, [21 Oct 2023 at 11:15:17]: Thanks Roy and Erik, my thoughts exactly! Dave Cooper, [21 Oct 2023 at 11:26:00]: All Tragelaphids seem to be prone, but I saw a lot of it with post-capture mortality in nyala - especially during drought years, shortage of browse etc Jacoba Dongo, [21 Oct 2023 at 18:47:10]: Elaephora or Fasciola? Roy Bengis, [22 Oct 2023 at 09:51:54]: Elaephora.
