Causes of mortality in impala (Aepyceros melampus) on 20 game farms in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The most common cause of death in impala (Aepyceros melampus) herds on 20 game farms in Zimbabwe was stress or physical injury during capture. Acute fascioliasis due to Fasciola gigantica was identified as the main disease problem associated with smaller game farms and where impala had been recently introduced. Losses associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases were rare. Impala in Zimbabwe are maintained in a healthy condition on game farms where they are given supplementary feed during the dry winter.