News and Vacancies
News
IZVG's Zoo and Aquarium Consultancy
Recruiting Veterinary Pathologist
In a new post alongside our existing veterinary pathologist, and supported by zoological medicine clinical specialists, you will be responsible jointly for a caseload that comprises non-domestic mammalian (particularly primate), avian, and lower vertebrate species, including significant numbers of marine aquarium fish. Histopathology predominates, for the practice’s own clients, and by referral from a number of external laboratories, but gross post mortem examinations are a frequent and irreplaceable feature of our work. These occasionally necessitate travel off-site. A network of external collaborators enables us to source additional diagnostic testing when necessary. A number of opportunities exist for input into conservation projects in association with field biologists.
For more information please click here
Sue Thornton's Famous Fish Operation
Sue recently conducted a hernia operation on an angel fish at London Aquarium which seems to have caught the attention of the world's media. It's always nice to see the work of our staff being widely recognised. To find out more about the successful operation as described in the Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Sun and the Metro click on the links above.
Special offer on Raptor Medicine Books
We are offering a special pack on the diseases of raptors (birds of prey) for £25.00 (UK postage included). The pack contains the Proceedings of the first two raptor biomedicine conferences and is essential reading for all those concerned with the health or veterinary care of birds of prey.
Find out how to purchase these useful books here
Consultation on the unique identification of juvenile tortoises in wildlife trade
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) has commissioned IZVG to identify potential methods of permanently and uniquely marking juvenile Testudinids (tortoises) that are too small to be safely fitted with a microchip transponder.
European regulations require that tortoises listed in annex A of the EC Wildlife Regulations and being used for commercial purposes, shall be marked by a uniquely numbered unalterable microchip transponder. However, advice provided by veterinary experts in the UK in 1998 recommended that tortoises with a shell length of under 100mm were too small to be safely fitted with a standard microchip transponder, resulting in a UK policy that tortoises under 100mm shell length are not required to be marked.
As tortoise species have declined, both in the wild and in terms of their availability to trade, the selling price has increased, which is likely to have encouraged illegal trade. Until a method of marking juvenile tortoises is found and accepted by all EC Member States, enforcement of trade will continue to be difficult, which could cause severe declines of some species in the wild.
We are carrying out a consultation asking the opinion of interested parties and stakeholders regarding possible marking methods for juvenile tortoises and would welcome your views and comments on this issue.
Full details of this consultation can be found at www.izvg.co.uk/consultation.html.
Bluetongue Vaccination
The first batch of Bluetongue vaccine, ordered from Intervet last year, is being released to wholesalers and is ready for distribution to the Protection Zones in England from April 30th 2008.
The first batch of one million doses of the vaccine is now available in 20-dose bottles. A larger batch of up to two million doses, produced in 50-dose bottles, is expected to follow within a few days. The vaccine will require one dose in sheep and two doses, given three weeks apart, in cattle.
Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn said:
"The success of our control and vaccination strategy will ultimately depend on the industry itself, and I strongly support the industry-led campaign to promote vaccination. The message to animal keepers is clear: 'Don't hesitate, vaccinate'".
Under EU law, vaccination is only allowed in a Protection Zone - a designated area with restrictions in place to prevent an outbreak spreading. The Bluetongue vaccination plan sets out how vaccination will be rolled out and the Protection Zone expanded county by county across England, taking into account the availability of vaccine and the level of disease risk. To check your postcode to see if you are in a protection zone, go to this website.
In line with the principles set out in the roll-out plan, the first two batches of vaccine will be made available to livestock keepers in the Protection Zones to purchase through their private vets. As soon as further batches of vaccine are delivered, vaccine will be rolled out to the rest of the counties in the second priority phase for vaccination, before progressing more broadly across England county by county. Further batches of vaccine will be delivered by Intervet at regular intervals over the summer.
If you believe that your collection is within the protection zone and you wish to follow the government recommendations for a blanket vaccination of all susceptible stock (camelids, sheep, cattle, goats, antelope and giraffe), please discuss with one of our vets.
For more information, visit Defra’s bluetongue page.
New packaging regulations for pathology samples
Please note that new packaging regulations now apply to diagnostic samples.
For more information, see the instructions page. It is important that you follow the packaging guidelines when packing your samples. Failure to do so could result in Royal Mail postal service, or courier companies, refusing to carry your samples.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Recent outbreaks of the avian influenza virus have occured in the Far East and Eastern Europe, and isolated cases have occurred in the UK. Despite the infectious nature of this virus, the risk of introduction to wild, pet and farmed birds in the UK remains low. If you are concerned about the safety of your birds, we would recommend that you consult the DEFRA website, particularly the links below. Good biosecurity, and care of your birds are advisable at all times, whether a disease risk is present or not.
For more information, please consult the following documents:
- Defra's most recent news
- Detailed biosecurity information, and information about kept birds
- Vaccination Information
- Information on wild birds.
Avian Influenza Vaccination for Zoos
Defra, in conjunction with the British Association of Zoos and Aquariums, have prepared a programme of vaccination against avian influenza. Zoos may now apply for vaccination. The forms and guidance have been published on the Defra website: AI Vaccination Forms and Guidance. The application form is here: application form, and the guidance notes are here: guidance notes.
IZVG clients will need to enter the following address into the Veterinary Supplier box on the application form:
W & J Dunlop Ltd
Veterinary Wholesalers
College Mains Road
Dumfries
DG2 0NU
Telephone no: 01387 274700
BIAZA has published a news page on their website giving more information: BIAZA information on Avian Influenza and Precautions.
Practice News
Pathologist Mark Stidworthy has moved his office space from the IZVG central office to the pathology lab. Although he will be missed around the office, this does mean that he can spend more time with histology slides and post mortems. Mark has recently employed graduate biologist Neil Wagstaffe as a histology technician. We welcome him to the IZVG team.
David Taylor's most recent book, Think Cat: An Owner's Guide to Feline Psychology, was published in June 2004 by Cassell Illustrated.
IZVG supports Wildlife Vets International registered charity no. 1109670
Veterinary support for conservation worldwide
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