Mystery giraffe deaths spark concern

Veterinarians and farmers in Namibia are grappling with a troubling surge in giraffe deaths that have occurred over a large part of the country north of Windhoek.

- Liryn de Jager

The cause remains undetermined, but experts suspect an insect-borne viral disease.

Dr Ulf Tubbesing, owner and wildlife veterinarian at Wildlife Vets Namibia, who provides wildlife-related services for game farmers and conservation bodies across the country, said they first received reports of these unusual giraffe mortalities in late April.