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Protocol for Sampling Wildlife Diseases in KAZA TFCA
| Author: | Dr Chris Foggin |
| Language: | |
| Topic: | Conservation |
| Type: | Strategy and guides |
| Last updated: | 17 June 2026 |
Protocol for Sampling Wildlife Diseases in KAZA TFCA
This field guide, prepared by Dr. Chris Foggin with USAID VukaNow funding, provides practical techniques for veterinarians and assistants conducting wildlife post-mortems (PM) in the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). It focuses on diagnostic and ad hoc surveillance sampling under challenging field conditions, particularly for elephants.
Key Considerations
Major zoonotic diseases in KAZA include anthrax and rabies. Adequate precautions, including PPE, are essential during PMs.
Minimal sampling is advised for suspected serious zoonotic diseases:
Anthrax: Collect blood smear or superficial tissue only; do not open the carcass.
Rabies: Remove the head or brain with appropriate PPE; only vaccinated personnel should handle samples.
TB/Rift Valley Fever: Full PM can be conducted with proper PPE.
Pre-Deployment Checklist:
Essential equipment includes knives, saws, ropes, sprayers, water containers, PPE (gloves, overalls, masks), and sampling tools like blood slides, sterile containers, syringes, and swabs. Equipment should be prioritized based on accessibility, species size, and manpower.
Field PM Procedure:
Initial Assessment: Examine carcass surroundings, species involved, proximity to water, signs of poisoning, scavenging, and decomposition stage.
Superficial Examination: Assess both sides of the carcass for wounds, discoloration, parasites, and fluids from orifices.
Opening the Carcass: Collect blood smears first. Open the carcass on the left side for easier access to organs. Skinning and accessing body cavities depend on species size and equipment.
Organ Examination: Assess color, fat, blood consistency, and abnormalities in organs like spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Sampling Procedures:
Collect samples for cytology, histopathology, bacteriology, PCR/virology, toxicology, and forensic analysis.
Targeted, high-quality samples yield better diagnostic results. Preserve samples using appropriate methods (e.g., formalin, chilling, freezing).
Cleaning Up:
Dispose of carcasses safely, especially if infectious or toxic. Burn or bury carcasses, use caustic soda or quicklime, and decontaminate areas affected by poison spills.
Appendices:
Includes checklists for PM kits, decomposition stages, body condition scoring, ageing methods, blood smear preparation, anthrax sampling, and chain-of-custody and PM record templates.
This protocol serves as a concise guide for wildlife disease sampling in KAZA, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and targeted diagnostics.
Major zoonotic diseases in KAZA include anthrax and rabies. Adequate precautions, including PPE, are essential during PMs.
Minimal sampling is advised for suspected serious zoonotic diseases:
Anthrax: Collect blood smear or superficial tissue only; do not open the carcass.
Rabies: Remove the head or brain with appropriate PPE; only vaccinated personnel should handle samples.
TB/Rift Valley Fever: Full PM can be conducted with proper PPE.
Pre-Deployment Checklist:
Essential equipment includes knives, saws, ropes, sprayers, water containers, PPE (gloves, overalls, masks), and sampling tools like blood slides, sterile containers, syringes, and swabs. Equipment should be prioritized based on accessibility, species size, and manpower.
Field PM Procedure:
Initial Assessment: Examine carcass surroundings, species involved, proximity to water, signs of poisoning, scavenging, and decomposition stage.
Superficial Examination: Assess both sides of the carcass for wounds, discoloration, parasites, and fluids from orifices.
Opening the Carcass: Collect blood smears first. Open the carcass on the left side for easier access to organs. Skinning and accessing body cavities depend on species size and equipment.
Organ Examination: Assess color, fat, blood consistency, and abnormalities in organs like spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Sampling Procedures:
Collect samples for cytology, histopathology, bacteriology, PCR/virology, toxicology, and forensic analysis.
Targeted, high-quality samples yield better diagnostic results. Preserve samples using appropriate methods (e.g., formalin, chilling, freezing).
Cleaning Up:
Dispose of carcasses safely, especially if infectious or toxic. Burn or bury carcasses, use caustic soda or quicklime, and decontaminate areas affected by poison spills.
Appendices:
Includes checklists for PM kits, decomposition stages, body condition scoring, ageing methods, blood smear preparation, anthrax sampling, and chain-of-custody and PM record templates.
This protocol serves as a concise guide for wildlife disease sampling in KAZA, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and targeted diagnostics.
