Animalia Mafia Island Veterinary Campaign (June 2024)
The Animalia Mafia Island veterinary campaign, managed by Dr. Francesca Bensa, took place from June 5th to June 24th, 2024. This initiative focused on providing humane population control and essential medical care to the terrestrial animals of the Mafia Archipelago in Tanzania.
Key Achievements
During this campaign, the veterinary team provided care to a total of 310 animals.
- Sterilizations and Vaccinations: 283 animals were sterilized, vaccinated against Rabies, and treated for endoparasites.
- Dogs: 205 (101 females, 104 males).
- Cats: 78 (48 females, 30 males).
- Preventative Care: 14 puppies received their first Rabies vaccine, and 13 previously neutered animals received boosters.
- General Health: Numerous animals were groomed, cleaned of ticks, and received anti-parasitical treatments.
Campaign Locations and Schedule
The team operated through several outreach clinics across Mafia Island and neighboring Chole Island:
- Utende: Based at Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge (ESK).
- Kilindoni: Held at Bustani Lodge and surrounding areas.
- Village Clinics: Outreach sessions were conducted in Usewe, Chole, Baleni, Kirongwe, Jimbo, Kanga, and Baleni Mlola.
Professional Team and Collaboration
The campaign was a collaborative effort involving international and local professionals:
- International Vets/Nurses: Dr. Susan Bell, Dr. Susan Mackey, Dr. Nancy McKay Rogge, Dr. Silvia Prato, and Nurse Megan Mcleod.
- Tanzanian Professionals: Dr. Lusajo Mwaikambo, Nurse Prosper Godbless Munno, and Para-Vet Gasper Theophil Msofe.
