Veterinary

, ,

Myanmar Vets' to Thailand

, ,
m1.jpg

Asian Elephant Health and Breeding Management Course in Thailand: Report for Asian Elephant Support

In the online part of the course (22 April to 24 May 2019), we learned about anatomy, physiology, nutrition, endocrinology, ultrasonography, anesthesia, restraint, and breeding and parturition management of Asian elephants.

In June we participated in a 5-day practical course in northern Thailand. The first day (10 June) we had lectures on health care management, endotheliotropic herpes virus, nutrition, plasma transfusion and blood cross match at Chiang Mai University in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The next days were practical training and demonstrations at the National Elephant Institute in Lampang, and Elephant Rehabilitation center, Pang Lah. On 11 June we had presentations on common health problems, tuberculosis, nutrition, and case studies in Sri Lanka and Thailand. From 12 to 14 June we studied rehabilitation, obesity, welfare, anesthesia, practiced using an elephant-like ultrasonography, semen collection, semen evaluation, estrus detection, reproductive hormone monitoring and calf management after parturition etc.

From this trip, we got the opportunity to hear a lot of elephant information and we got to share knowledge regarding elephant health care management from different regions. Therefore, your support is absolutely effective for us and for taking care of our elephants.

Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Asian Elephant Support for your kind support for our trip. Without your support we could not benefit from this training.

Best regards,

Dr. Moe Win Tun
Dr. Zaw Min Htun

,

CMU Mobile Veterinary Van

,

The CMU Mobile Veterinary Van purchased with AES funds has been quite busy since its official inauguration this past March. Here are a few pictures of its progress in helping Asian elephants in Thailand (which, in turn, will extend to solving medical issues for elephants worldwide). Thanks to Dr. Yeaw for providing most of these photos.

You, our supporters, have made this all possible. Many thanks!

The van's official inauguration at CMU on Thai Elephant Day

The van's official inauguration at CMU on Thai Elephant Day

Being blessed by a Buddhist monk

Being blessed by a Buddhist monk

Examining and prescribing treatment at a remote camp

Examining and prescribing treatment at a remote camp

Collecting research data

Collecting research data

,

AES Trip to Thailand

,
header.jpg

From the perspective of new board member, Janet

I had two major objectives when I joined the trip to Thailand for the mobile vet dedication on Thailand Elephant Day:

  1. To see for myself how AES funds are put to use,

  2. To learn more about Asian elephants in one of their range countries.

Let’s just say this trip delivered on these items and more. I met recipients of AES grants: camp managers, workshop participants, the wonderful elephant vets and researchers at Chang Mai University and AES partners.  Some funds are used to improve camp conditions  for some captive elephants.  It was thrilling to actually see the mobile vet van in use, with vets treating elephants at different camps and facilitating research data collection.

I traveled from Chang Mai to Chang Rai in the new mobile vet van purchased with AES funds.  If I had to choose a highlight of the trip, this was it.  I saw the countryside where the wild elephants reside, visited a number of different types of camps and watched the vets  interacting with the patients and clients. I realized firsthand how remote the camps are from elephant medical facilities and experienced that the CMU van was able to handle the rough terrain and winding roads.  We met camp managers, mahouts, veterinarians and respected experts in the study of Asian elephants and, yes, even an elephant chiropractor.

Throughout all these travels in the van and a very informative stay at Elephantstay (a great place to learn about the life of a mahout), I don’t think a day passed without seeing multiple elephants.  From meeting the first Thai calf conceived through artificial insemination named AI, seeing a calf less than 2 weeks old and a cow almost ready to give birth, to treating scrapes, collecting blood draws and checking on a lame elephant  - all were part of the job of the mobile vet.  At the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) elephant hospital, I even had the opportunity to see an elephant being treated for an injury from a land mine. The hospital has a lab that can produce prosthesis for wounded elephants!

There were so many other discoveries on this trip.  I wish I could tell you about each and every one.  Overall, I could not be more proud of the people and work enabled through the donations made to AES.  It was gratifying to see the vet being able to treat remote elephants in the field.  The studies and recommendations of Chiang Mai University are so important to the survival of the Asian elephant in Thailand and elsewhere.

From the perspective of secretary, Vanessa Gagne

This past March I had the rare opportunity to travel to Thailand for National Thai Elephant Day and the dedication of the vehicle AES purchased for Chiang Mai University's Vet School's mobile clinic.  I most treasured my experience with the Thai people – I met so many colleagues in person and spent quality time with them.   It is through these human connections we will be able to help ensure the future of the Asian elephant.

I truly enjoyed seeing how each camp operates differently to manage their elephants.  Thailand is so rich in culture, especially elephant culture, that to miss seeing this as a part of their daily lives is to omit an integral portion of their national sense of self.  I think I set a personal record:  I saw over 140 elephants in one day during the Thai Elephant Day celebration.  It was remarkable!

Thailand has a fascinating history, and since archaeology is one of my favorite hobbies, I visited some temples and was captivated by their myths and symbols.  Many of the motifs are identical to that of the Maya.  I was able to visit the Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai where I participated in their “mahout for a day” program.   The staff's educational talks to the participants were informative, demonstrating their professionalism and knowledge.  They explained the important difference between animal welfare and animal rights.

I left with a sense of peace and the hope I would return again soon.  There is so much work to be done helping people and their elephants.  I know it was the beginning of a life-long relationship with the Thai people and their “Chang Baan,” or domesticated elephants.

From the perspective of president, Linda Reifschneider

This was the first trip to Thailand for Janet and Vanessa.  I remember my first trip!   But that was 2002 and there have been 20+/- trips since then, so my perspective on this trip is a bit different.

From our visit to Richard Lair in Lampang, breaking in the new vet vehicle visiting elephant camps, our visit to Patara Elephant Farm, the vehicle dedication ceremony at Chiang Mai University through the welcoming Thai Elephant Day visits at Maesa and Maetaeng elephant camps and our visit to a Karen camp and John Roberts at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, I experienced the ‘being with’ elephants that made me know on my first visit in 2002, it was time for me to say goodbye to a wonderful 43 -year career with Edward Jones and figure out how to be of benefit to today’s Asian elephant as well as a positive force for their future.  I’ve had a lot of help along the way, and so, I wish to use this article to say thank you to some very special friends who are the ‘boots on the ground’ in Thailand – the men and women with the education and expertise, determination and dedication, to a better today as well as the future of Asian elephants.  They are:  Richard Lair, acknowledged expert on Thai history, culture, language, and elephants; Drs. Chatchote Thitaram and Khajohnpat Boonprasert, Chiang Mai University; John Roberts, Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation; Theerapat (Pat) Trungprakan, Patara Elephant Farm and his lovely wife Anocha (Dao); Julie Ferdinand, a most helpful friend, and an expert canine exporter!  My sincere appreciation also to the newer friends and acquaintances made on this trip as they, too, are the hope of the Asian elephant and I am simply humbled to help in whatever small ways AES is able.

Both top and bottom truck pictures are courtesy of Dr. Yeaw

Both top and bottom truck pictures are courtesy of Dr. Yeaw

,

EREC Bonfire T-shirt Campaign

,

Benefitting the EREC New Mobile Vet Unit

We are excited to announce a new way to help us purchase a mobile vet truck for Chiang Mai University Vet Department to provide care for the surrounding area's elephants.

Dr. Yeaw performing a blood draw from the ear.  Typically blood draws are performed from the ear, but they can also be done on the rear leg while the elephant is standing.

Currently they are using one vehicle for 4 veterinarians to make house calls to local elephant camps.  AES would like to provide them with a second vehicle to be shared among the vets and to make sure they have a backup in case one breaks down.  The campaign is set to run for 10 days, from July 15th - July 25th.

We'd like to sell as many t-shirts as we can so please share this campaign with everyone you know and buy a couple shirts for yourself!  This is a special, one-of-a-kind shirt only available for this fundraiser.  It features our logo and the EREC logo in white on a charcoal grey shirt.

Thank you and we will keep everyone posted on the progress via our Facebook page!

https://www.bonfire.com/elephant-mobile-vet-unit-fundraiser

Dr. Yeaw performing an eye exam
 

Dr. Yeaw with a newly collected blood sample

,

Elephant Veterinarians Sharing Knowledge in Myanmar

,
Second Regional Asian Elephant Veterinary Workshop Participants

Second Regional Asian Elephant Veterinary Workshop Participants

In March 2014, Asian Elephant Support (AES) collaborated with other organizations to host the Second Regional Asian Elephant Veterinary Workshop in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. This workshop was hosted by the University of Veterinary Science and the Myanmar Timber Enterprise and was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Asian Elephant Conservation Fund.

Bath time at Pinloung timber camp.

Bath time at Pinloung timber camp.

Workshop participants were veterinarians from around Asia who have field experience in elephant health and medicine. Participants represented several Asian elephant range countries including India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.  Other guest speakers came from Singapore and the United States.  The presentations covered general elephant health issues, disease management, and foot care, while the practical sessions addressed laboratory protocols and wildlife immobilization. In addition, the workshop provided participants with the opportunity to visit several elephant facilities in the area, including the zoo and a working timber camp.  One of the highlights for the participants was the chance to see the sacred white elephants, which are housed in a special pavilion in Nay Pyi Taw.

Veterinarians from Sri Lanka and Nepal share experiences.

Veterinarians from Sri Lanka and Nepal share experiences.

AES helped host the first regional veterinary workshop in Sumatra, Indonesia, in March 2012. These regional workshops are an important opportunity for elephant veterinarians to network and to share  experience and information. By continuing to provide these educational opportunities and by providing support for medical equipment and supplies in Myanmar, AES is demonstrating our continued commitment to improve the health of wild and captive elephants in Asia. We believe in the power of education. Helping people help elephants is a powerful way to brighten the future of Asian elephants!  If you share our belief that support for educational opportunities is important to maximize learning and communication for veterinarians and other elephant care givers, please consider making a donation today.

Refrigerator donated by AES to store elephant medicine and samples

Refrigerator donated by AES to store elephant medicine and samples

Waiting for medical check-up at Pinloung timber camp.

Waiting for medical check-up at Pinloung timber camp.

,

Elephant Health Clinics in India

,

September 2013

With your support, Dr. Kushal Sarma continues to do amazing work for Asian elephants and the people who care for them in Assam, India.  Recently he conducted an elephant health care clinic in the Orang National Park and was able to treat 32 government forest camp elephants.  Orang National Park is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River and is home to many species including Indian rhinos, Bengal tigers, and Asian elephants.  The park is 78 square kilometers, but is encircled on three sides by people who are quickly encroaching on the land.  The human-elephant conflict is a growing problem in this area, so the elephants are utilized in anti-poaching patrols and to encourage the wild elephant population to stay within the safety of the park boundaries.

Dr. Sarma explaining medical points to the students.

Dr. Sarma explaining medical points to the students.

This was a routine health care clinic and all the elephants were vaccinated against tetanus and hemorrhagic septicemia (an acute bacterial infection).  In addition, some routine stool examinations were conducted and the elephants were given de-worming medication.  All of the females and any bulls that appeared weak were given multi-vitamin and multi-mineral mixtures plus vitamin injections.

Mahouts with their new uniforms

Mahouts with their new uniforms

In addition to helping elephants, AES believes it is important to help the people who care for the elephants.  Most of the people at this clinic are poor and have very few resources to care for the elephants.  Dr. Sarma was able to distribute 40 uniform shirts and an additional 5 khukries (traditional knives).  The knives are used to trim the elephants’ feet and to cut fodder for the elephants, making them a valuable tool in improving the health of the elephants. The uniforms give the mahouts a sense of pride and ownership in the role they play conserving elephants in Assam.
 
A special surprise occurred during the clinic when a beautiful wild bull visited the camp out of curiosity!  Upon inquiring, we were happily advised that he has many girlfriends in the elephant camps in this area and most of the calves born to captive mothers are sired by him.  However, we don’t believe he stayed around for foot care or vaccinations!

The visiting wild bull

The visiting wild bull

Dr. Sarma also advised he organized an Elephant Day at his college on October 2nd and has this report:

“As a part of the countrywide celebration of “Wild Life Week” in the first week of October, the 2nd October, 2013 was celebrated as “Elephant Day”  with the initiative of the Department of Surgery & Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara with various day long programmes. The celebration started with life demonstration of elephant healthcare procedures to the fourth and fifth year BVSc & A.H. as well as some post graduate students by the experts of the department which was followed by an exhibition of rare books on elephants. In the next half of the programme, power point presentations were made on various topics involving the elephants  by Dr(Ms) Munmun Sarma, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy & Histology, Dr. G. Mahato, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Dr. Bijoy Dutta, Associate Professor, Surgery & Radiology and Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, Professor & Head of the Department of Surgery & Radiology who is an internationally renowned  expert on elephants. Dr. R. N. Goswami, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and Dr. A. Chakroborty, Director of Research (Vety) also addressed the students on the occasion.”

Our supporters of the “Hoof knives for Mahouts-India” program will be pleased to know that the knives are being distributed carefully and are greatly appreciated.  Please watch for future updates from
Dr. Sarma and feel free to cheer for the beautiful wild bull!

April 2013

Dr. Sarma advised he has conducted seven elephant health clinic sessions January through April for mahouts on elephant foot care. The clinic included sessions on using the khukri. which is the traditional knife that a mahout uses to care for his elephant's feet and to cut fodder for the elephant. So far, Dr. Sarama has distributed 52 of these knives and trained more than 52 mahouts, some already owning proper knives.

In addition, Dr. Sarma advised he has conducted a follow-up program for the temple elephants of Ahmedabad (initial vet workshop held in 2011) using AES financial support, and he has also attended to a circus elephant with a fracture in Anand, Gujarat.

December 2012, Goalpara

Dr. Sarma treated a young bull in Goalpara who was badly injured in a fight with other bulls. This was just one of many notifications we received during the year advising us of medical treatment of wild elephants.

March 2012, Kaziranga

At the Regional Asian Elephant Veterinary Workshop in March, Dr. Sarma advised that he had made an observational visit to Ahmedabad. While the health of the elephants appeared a bit better, another health clinic was warranted and was planned as soon as possible.  Dr. Sarma also discussed a second group of elephants he thought could use some assistance. This is a group of elephants he encountered while working on a rhino relocation project in Kaziranga. Dr. Sarma has already organized a veterinary visit at Kaziranga and will be returning to operate on an elephant with an abscess on its back.

Dr. Sarma (wearing a cap) and some of the workshop participants

Dr. Sarma (wearing a cap) and some of the workshop participants

AES will be kept updated on the work done at these clinics, as well as further opportunities for us to help these and other elephant populations. Many elephants reside in areas where their numbers are small and capable veterinarian assistance is not available. In addition, many of the mahouts caring for elephants in these locations lead a very difficult life. We are looking into ways we can also help the people that care for the elephants.

In addition to being a working veterinarian, Dr. Sarma is also a university professor. We feel privileged to have found a man of this talent and dedication to the welfare of Asian elephants. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Sarma and we are grateful he is willing to put these extra clinics into his already very busy schedule.

Veterinary Workshop in Ahmedabad, India (2011)

In early 2011, we received an inquiry from a veterinarian from the state of Gujarat in Western India, who was faced with treating an extremely ill elephant. Gujarat is a semi-arid state and is not ideal habitat for elephants; however, there are approximately 30 temple elephants living in this area. Unfortunately, due to a lack of exposure and experience, the veterinarians in Gujarat do not have a lot of practical or theoretical knowledge of elephant healthcare and management.

Sadly, it was too late to save this gravely ill elephant, but during the process, we made inquiries among our advisers that resulted in our introduction to Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma. Dr. Sarma is a professor at Assam Agricultural University in the College of Veterinary Science. His position within the Department of Surgery & Radiology provides opportunities to teach, to participate in research and field work, and to publish his work. Every year, he works with hundreds of captive elephants along with a significant number of wild elephants. Even with his busy schedule, he found time to help us when we contacted him.

Some of the workshop participants

Some of the workshop participants

From our conversations with Dr. Sarma, it was decided that a workshop on the basic skills applicable to elephant healthcare would be helpful for both the elephants and the veterinarians who are involved in providing healthcare to the elephants. On December 25, Dr. Sarma led a one-day workshop on elephant healthcare and managerial practices in the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. The workshop was held at the Jagannath Temple and was attended by 21 participants from 9 different cities. The lectures in the morning covered important topics such as the biology of elephants, techniques of drug administration, anesthesia protocols, commonly occurring diseases and their management, foot care, and musth management. After lunch, there were hands-on demonstrations of healthcare techniques including routine examinations, sites for injections, estimations of height and weight, and routine foot care. The day concluded with an open discussion where many questions were answered. The participants were very thankful for the opportunity and we are grateful that we could contribute to making the lives of these elephants a little better and the work of the veterinarians a little easier.

We thank Dr. Sarma for taking time out of his busy schedule to share his knowledge and we look forward to working with him in the future. We would also like to thank the veterinary medical firm, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., for their help in making this workshop a reality.