Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RSPCA launches toolkit to help vets treat wildlife
"We've put together this toolkit to help vets and vet nurses to help maximise the welfare for these species" - Justine Shotton, RSPCA head vet for wildlife and exotics.

The online resource includes practical advice on how to perform clinical examinations. 

A new online resource to help vets and veterinary nurses provide care for British wildlife presented to them by the public has been launched by the RSPCA.

Bringing together essential information and evidence in on place, the RSPCA's Wildlife Toolkit has been designed by the charity's veterinary team with support from BSAVA, BVA Journals, BVZS and an array of wildlife groups and charities.

Justine Shotton, former BVA president and head vet for wildlife and exotics at the RSPCA, said:  “Vet practices do an amazing job caring for sick and injured wild animals brought in by members of the public and rehabilitators, providing appropriate first aid, pain relief and euthanasia under the RCVS Code. 

“It can be daunting for those who don't see wildlife frequently, so we've put together this toolkit to help vets and vet nurses to help maximise the welfare for these species.”

The Toolkit includes practical advice on how to perform clinical examinations, information about common conditions seen in wildlife species and other areas that may be lesser-known to veterinary practitioners, such as wildlife legislation. 

Users can navigate the resource by species and area, such as triage, legislation and pharmaceuticals, and it will be updated by the RSPCA as new research and protocols are developed. Furthermore, the toolkit includes sensitive information regarding euthanasia and suitability for release, along with informative films put together by the RSPCA's expert teams and their partners. 

Justine added: “All of the content of the toolkit can count towards vet and vet nurse CPD; including reading the articles, watching the presentations or completing the interactive training online training course, Wildlife Rehab - the First 24 hours. I’d encourage all vet professionals to take a look at the site, and to add the toolkit to their bookmarks for future reference.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.