Linda Pretorius

Neonatal Infection Control Measures Help Save a Penguin

Species

THE AFRICAN PENGUIN

•  Listed as 1 of 5 penguin species that are endangered on the IUCN List •  Only 17 263 pairs left within the South African coastline •  This is only 2% of the original population •  This population is 19% higher due to SANCCOB’S work in the last 48 years •  There are collaborations with SANParks and CapeNature •  Indicator species

AFRICAN PENGUIN CHICKS

•  2 eggs are laid

•  Weigh 55 – 65 grams at birth

•  Need humidity initially

•  Haemodynamics

•  Oral feeding with fish formula

NETCARE SANCCOB COLLABORATION

•  Started in August 2013 in CRU

•  Initially to help provide equipment

•  Eggs hatched on site from February to October

•  Influx of chicks and eggs

•  Late onset neonatal sepsis

CHALLENGES

•  Eggs are brought from the wild

•  Area not ideal as a Chick Rearing Unit

•  No basin / electrical plugs / poor

ventilation

•  Poor flow

•  Volunteer staff with high turnover

•  No infection control policies

•  Cohorting

INFECTION MEASURES

•  Establishing incubator cleaning techniques

•  Hand washing, placement of basin, taps

•  Handwash, hand spray, paper towels

•  Surveillance in February 2014

•  Top to bottom cleaning

•  Cleaning fluids changed

•  Fogging of incubators

95

75

22

0

139

62 56

16

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Admitted Died Survival% Still  Admitted

Number  of  Eggs  Hatched

Penguin  Mortality  2013/2014  Comparison

Egg  Hatched  2013

Egg  Hatched  2014

SURVIVAL

0

5

10

15

20

25

Sep-12

Oct-12

Nov-12

Dec-12

Jan-13

Feb-13

Mar-13

Apr-13

May-13

Jun-13

Jul-13

Aug-13

Sep-13

Oct-13

Nov-13

Dec-13

Jan-14

Feb-14

Mar-14

Apr-14

May-14

Jun-14

Jul-14

Num

ber o

f Egg

s

Hatched Eggs vs Deaths 2013/2014 Comparison SANCCOB WC

Eggs Hatched

Deaths

Avian Vet appointed

Incubators supplied

Surveillance

Cleaning Fluids

IMPROVEMENT

LESSONS LEARNT BY NETCARE

•  Need for KMC

•  Regular 3 hourly care needed

•  Antibiotics

•  Nurse knows best