KARACHI:
A preliminary medical examination of two elephants at Safari Park Zoo by a veterinary team of Four Paws, an international animal welfare organisation, has revealed protein deficiency and traces of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, raising concerns about their health.
Subsequently, the Four Paws team, led by Dr Ameer Khalil, urged the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to take immediate protective measures to ensure the safety of the two tuskers named Madhubala and Malka and the park’s staff. Treatment for these conditions is expected to take 12 to 18 months.
The Four Paws team, along with local vets, conducted a thorough health check on both elephants in early February. The mammoths were given medication and observed while standing. The results revealed two major health issues: both elephants had low protein levels, and tests detected traces of Mycobacterium complex, a potential indicator of TB.
TB is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. Given this, Four Paws advised the KMC to implement strict cleaning, sanitisation, and disinfection protocols to minimise the risk of transmission. The team also recommended an improvement in the elephants’ diet to address their protein deficiency, along with daily monitoring of their food intake and overall body condition.
While neither elephant has shown overt signs of illness, the presence of TB bacteria requires special attention. If TB is confirmed, a lengthy treatment process will be required, lasting anywhere from 12 to 18 months. This treatment would also require specialised training for the caregivers involved.
