Mammals: Interesting or Unusual Behaviour

[nan]

saw this one in April 2011 in Kruger

[Mel]

That looks 'ouch'

[Richprins]

Two replies!

One from an old MTP mate:

As far as I know this is like a giant wart.
I had one like this shot when I worked in Mpumalanga parks. The thing
is a skin desease, and did not go into the muscle. I believe this is
the same. It is quite common in giraffe, but normally not that big.

And from Dr Bengis via Dr Whyte:

This skin condition is caused by a papilloma virus, and it is thought that it may be transmitted by oxpeckers, or by biting insects. Most giraffe only develop a few lesions and then appear to have a spontaneous recovery following the development of antibodies to the virus. However, certain individuals appear to lack the immune response, and develop generalized lesions, which appear to progress from simple warts, and develop into a sarcoid like tumours, which are more malignant. Our experience is that the majority of these generalized cases are in females, so there may also be a hormonal factor that attenuates their immune response.

[Mel]

I assume that refers to Twigga's giraffe.

Interesting responses

[nan]

interesting
I think for "mine" is about the same... but he is a male

[Richprins]

Yes, Mel!

But the same thing! I think Twigga's is also a male, nana!

[Flutterby]

Tx RP...for all the replies...very interesting!

[Twigga]

Thank you RP -

Not a sighting I want to see everyday, poor giraffes

[Richprins]

Hey, Twigga! Dr Joubert saw your gerrie at the S-100 intersection yesterday!

He says it's not the end of the world, and the bull is in prime condition!

He agrees with Dr Whyte. Dr de Vos adds that he thinks the virus is spread through play or serious "necking", hence the prevalence around those areas.

[Twigga]

What a surprise!! Glad to hear my gerrie is still alive and well

Thank you for the update!

So interesting...