It was reported that the clostridium had been identified as C novyi, however Terry Bengis, Hume’s spokesperson, told Farmer’s Weekly that no such identification had been made thus far, although bacteriologists from Onderstepoort were making every effort to isolate and identify the bacteria.
“We follow a standard vaccination programme for clostridial diseases in our rhino,” said Bengis. “Unfortunately the vaccine did not work for this strain, which is why we’re trying to isolate it so that an effective vaccine can be developed.”
Bengis said they thought the outbreak may be associated with the heavy rain that fell during February, as clostridial outbreaks are often associated with wetter than usual conditions. “We have a hospital, a full-time vet and a team of vet nurses so that we can cater responsibly for our rhino,” said Bengis.
Pelham Jones, chairperson of the Private Rhino Owners Association, said they were aware of the incident at Hume’s farm outside Klerksdorp and had information about other outbreaks on privately owned farms. “We’ve asked members to alert us to any threats in their regions and we’ve informed the SA Veterinary Council about this problem and asked vets to circulate information that could help us,” said Jones.
Wildlife research scientist, Prof Wouter van Hoven said Hume’s rhino were in camps of between 150ha and 400ha, and were relatively tame, which made them easier to treat. “But there’s more to this,” said Van Hoven. “Many private rhino owners are reluctant to give out information on mortalities.
“On the one hand, they’re wary of exposing themselves to poaching and, on the other, the conservation authorities can be difficult and tend to blame and discredit rhino owners.
“There have certainly been mortalities. It hasn’t been established beyond doubt, but there is a 99% probability that it is clostridium.”
Van Hoven said that current treatment was to use penicillin in the early stages of the disease. Clostridia can thrive on any rotting carcasses, including those of small animals such as hares and tortoises, said Van Hoven.
It appeared that known mortalities had occurred where animals were in camps. Van Hoven said he knew of no mortalities in parks and reserves where rhino ranged in larger territories.
