Some private wildlife experts and scientists are not
happy of being side-lined by Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) in the
ongoing mysterious disease outbreak investigation that has killed almost 160
elephants in the Okavango delta Panhandle.
However, Regional Wildlife coordinator Dimakatso Ntshebe was
quick to refute that his department has elbowed aside private researchers saying: ‘our door is open. Everyone interested
to offer us help is welcome.’
158 elephants have as of today (Wednesday) died from a mysterious disease outbreak in the panhandle which started on May 11. The department is still awaiting sample results it has taken to an unnamed South African laboratory. Identification of the cause of the mysterious disease has so far remained elusive.
Experts in the private space speaking with
journalist Boniface Keakabetse have stated that, ideally, to halt the disease, the Government should have sought collaboration between researchers and other
experts for the investigation.
An expert speaking in a condition of anonymity asked rhetorically:
“What I can’t understand is why DWNP wants to handle it themselves. Why did
they only involve the National Vetlab much later? Why not put together a team
of experts in the veterinary, epidemiology and ecology fields from both
government and the private sector.
History such as the COVID-19 outbreak has shown that such public private
partnerships is most effective in limiting where applicable diseases outbreak.”
The expert explained that experience and a wider variety of
experts assist investigators to appreciate more factors that may be involved
and to make the list of possibilities as extensive as possible.’ It allows for
determining a battery of tests that will give you the desired result as soon as
possible.’
Further the expert stated the veterinary and medical
diagnostic process works in layers and on principles of epidemiology,
especially when populations are involved. “With initial examination, you get a
picture of all things that may be involved or linked to the deaths; number of
deaths , species , age, distribution of location of deaths, other species
involved, food, water, climate and microscopic post mortal changes and
others. You then form a list of various
possibilities and take samples to test for that. Samples not only include
samples of dead animals but water, plants etc. if all the possibilities test
negative, you review your initial examination and look wider for other
possibilities.”
Meanwhile the DWNP regional coordinator denied that any researcher
ever came to their office offering their services. We welcome any help whether
in form of expertise or resources.’ He explained that the only help they
received was from someone who offered help to dispose the carcasses after the
cause of the deaths has been identified. ‘However as the department we are busy
disposing the carcasses at the moment’ Ntshebe stated.
‘Money is there for the operation’ Ntshebe
Meanwhile the regional
coordinator further denied that DWNP has run out of funds to continue
investigating the mysterious death of elephants in Okavango panhandle.
Ntshebe said:’ it is not true we don’t have the money. What
has happened is that the money in our DWNP account in the region is finished.
But we have since requested for more funds from the Ministry in Gaborone. Those
funds will come. This has not and would not affect anything. Our team is
currently in the ground in Seronga undertaking the investigation.’
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