Rhinocerous conservation in Kenya –the implication of translocation in Disease transmission dynamics

Abstract

This doctoral thesis provides knowledge that will enable better management of different parasites affecting wild animals and the better understanding of host- parasite interactions intearctions particularly this knowledge will be pivotal to improve the conservation of rhinocerous in Kenya. The main aim of the present thesis was to advance our understanding of rhinocerous parasitic diseases. The specific objectives of this study are to: 1. Identify Theileria parasites and their genetic diversity in black and white rhinoceros population in Kenya (chapter 1) 2. Examine the epidemiology of Theileria infections in black and white rhinoceros. Specically we aims to study the association of Theileria infection with host species, age, sex, location, season and population mix (black rhinoceros vs black and white rhinoceros populations) (Chapter 2) 3. Study the emerging filariosis in black and white rhinoceros and how to control the spread of the diseas (Chapter 3) 4. Study the re-emerging filariosis in black and white rhinoceros, and its relation with rhinoceros host species, sex and age (Chapter 4)