The use of a long-acting tranquilizer (zuclopenthixol acetate) and live video monitoring for  successful long-distance transport of caribou (Rangifer tarandus)

John Cook,Owen Slater,Amber Backwell,Rachel Cook

doi:10.7557/2.41.1.5605

Abstract

Long-distance transport of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) can result in morbidities and mortalities. This case report describes the use of a long-acting tranquilizer, zuclopenthixol acetate (ZA) and live video monitoring (LVM) to transport caribou over 2300 kilometers. Two groups of captive caribou were transported from Fort St. John, British Columbia to Dryden, Ontario (n=14; 28.5 h transport) and Anchorage, Alaska (n=11; 32 h transport). The day prior to transport, caribou were administered ZA at 1 mg/kg via deep intramuscular (IM) injection. Digital video cameras allowed for live observation of caribou during transport. Still images of videos from each compartment in the Ontario transport were analyzed for percentage (%) lying versus standing over three time periods (Day 1, Night, and Day 2). Overall, caribou spent 57% of the transport lying down, with the highest percentage occurring at night (73%). As group size and animal density decreased there was a trend for caribou to spend more time lying down. Three animals developed extrapyramidal effects to the ZA and were effectively treated with midazolam at 0.2 mg/kg IM. There were no significant visible injuries or mortalities during or up to 6 weeks post-transport. Zuclopenthixol acetate and LVM were used to successfully transport caribou over long distances and should be considered in future translocations to improve animal welfare during transport.

Highlights

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are declining throughout their historical range and are a species at risk in Canada (SARA, 2002)
Most of whom were handraised adults with extensive trailer experience, loaded smoothly while AK animals, most of whom were dam-raised with little trailer experience, were excited at the time of loading and required the use of a tarp held between people and loud voices to encourage animals to load
Zuclopenthixol acetate at 1 mg/kg IM should be considered as an acceptable agent to help decrease stress and anxiety during loading and transport of caribou, for long-distance transport not exceeding 72 hours, and when treatment of animals is feasible if side effects occur

Summary

Introduction

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are declining throughout their historical range and are a species at risk in Canada (SARA, 2002). The full pathophysiological mechanisms behind CM are unknown, it is generally characterized by increased muscular activity resulting in hyperthermia, metabolic lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria and multi-organ failure (Read et al, 2000; Paterson, 2014; Wolfe & Miller, 2016; Breed et al, 2019). Stress-associated abortion, disruption of normal behaviours, introduction of infectious diseases to an area, and interference with social dynamics are other potential complications of wildlife translocations (Diverio et al, 1993; Diverio et al, 1996; Jago et al, 1997; Grigor et al, 1998; Corn & Nettles, 2001; IUCN/SSC, 2013; Slater et al, 2014; Wolfe & Miller, 2016; Kreeger & Arnemo, 2018)

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