The use of thiafentanil oxalate and azaperone for reversible immobilisation of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) within a nature reserve — Short communication

Abstract

Although thiafentanil oxalate has been widely used for wildlife immobilisation on different species, no report has been published about its usefulness on African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Thirty-four African buffaloes were successfully immobilised at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa in July 2013. The animals were kept in bomas of the nature reserve. The purpose of the immobilisation was to provide opportunity for microchip implantation, ear tag placement, intradermal tuberculin test and blood sampling. All animals were immobilised with thiafentanil oxalate 6 mg/animal (0.007-0.01 mg/kg) and azaperone 40 mg/animal (0.07-0.04 mg/kg) using Dan-inject darts and gun. The opioid reversal agent naltrexone hydrochloride 60 mg/animal (0.07-0.1 mg/kg) was given intravenously to the ear vein. The mean induction time was 3.9 ± 0.2 min, the recovery time was 1.65 ± 0.87 min. The results of the present study indicate that thiafentanil oxalate, this low-volume, high-potency, reversible drug combined with azaperone provides fast induction and smooth recovery. The authors recommend this drug combination as a reliable immobilising regimen for African buffalo.

Efficacy and Animal Welfare Impacts of Novel Capture Methods for Two Species of Invasive Wild Mammals in New Zealand

“…Many of these animal welfare risks can be mitigated using highly potent and fast-acting pharmacological agents. Thiafentanil (often used in combinations) has become an increasingly popular sedative for remote chemical immobilisation of wildlife [31,32,[50][51][52][53]. The IT recorded with the use of thiafentanil (mean of 3 min) were short when compared to deer helicopter darting methods using non-opioid pharmacological regimens.…”

Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Strip Assay for the Detection of Azaperone in Pork and Pork Liver

“…Intramuscular injection of this drug is used to relieve tension in animals and reduce their activity. − It can make animals indifferent to their environment and keep them in a quiet state for a long term, which is conducive to avoiding fighting when animals live together and in mixed groups. Therefore, it is often used for animals such as pigs during long-distance transportation. − With the widespread application of this drug in veterinary medicine, the problem of its residue in animal tissues and the direct harm to human health caused by its toxic side effects have attracted extensive attention. Through the food chain, azaperone still accumulates in the human body, causing a series of adverse reactions such as cardiovascular effects, decreased arterial pressure, skin vasodilation, and heart rate reduction.…”

Protocol for Human Exposure to Opioids and Concentrated Medetomidine Used in Field Applications

“…On the basis of animal studies, 10 mg naltrexone for every 1 mg of thiafentanil or 20 mg naltrexone for every 1 mg of etorphine should be administered. 13,16,17 Given the high margin of safety of naltrexone in humans, similar doses are suggested after known exposure to ultra-potent opioids.…”