Tuberculosis Treatment in Elephants Treatment is based on protocols known to be effective in humans in general. Three anti-Tuberculous drugs are administrated for 2months. This is followed administration of two drugs for10 months. The first line drugs include isoniazid (INH); pyrazinamide (PZA) Rifampin (RIF), and ethambutol (ETH) pharmacokinetics of the following drugs has been studied in elephants. They are INH, ETH, and, PZA. INH and PZA may be given orally and rectaly. RIF can be given only orally. Starting doses are: 1.INH (oral or rectal5mg. per kg.) 2.RIF (oral 10mg. per kg.) 3.PZA (oral and rectal 30mg. per kg.) 4.ETH (oral 30mg. per kg.) Blood level measurements are recommended. Side effects like anorexia; lethargy, low-grade anaemia, and pica are noticed. Elephants that are known to shedding should be isolated from other elephants but social isolation may produce stress. And may even exacerbate the condition. The disease after the treatment started, shedding general stops within a few weeks. Chemical disinfections are difficult with tuberculosis bacilli. The efficacy of disinfects is effected by environmental temperature, type of surface, chemical used, its concentration, contact time of the product with the pathogen. Other factors are quantum of pathogen, virulence and presence of organic material. T.B organisms are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. This is a very favourable condition for elephant range countries. Some of the antiseptics that can be used are phenol, parachlorometaxylinol, chlorine, and ammonium chloride. The exposure time varies for different antiseptics, which may be from five minutes to ten minutes. Being a zoonotic disease, assure personal safety. Gears like filter masks and protective clothing’s like gloves, boots should be worn. Hand washing is essential. November 2006 |
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