They stand completely lethargic in the bush with hanging ears. They let people approach them without moving. They stagger and stumble over bushes. They have discharge from their eyes. These are symptoms of an unknown deadly giraffe disease that wildlife farmers in some areas of Namibia have been reporting since mid-April.
Experts are still baffled, according to the latest newsletter from Wildlife Vets Namibia. However, blood samples have now been taken from a sick giraffe. These are currently being analysed at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute near Pretoria.
The areas where giraffe disease has been reported are located in north-central Namibia. These include the triangle between Okahandja, Omaruru and Otjiwarongo, extending to Waterberg. Sick or dead giraffes have also been found south of Etosha National Park as far as Grootfontein.
Almost all giraffes in Namibia are Angola giraffes (Giraffa giraffa angolensis). In its latest report on giraffes in Africa (see report by Namibian.org), the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) estimated the population of this subspecies at around 15,660 animals.
Sven-Eric Stender