IZVG Pathology
A division of the International Zoo Veterinary Group
In response to the need for a dedicated zoo and wildlife pathology service in the UK, IZVG Pathology was founded in 2003. We stand alone within the UK in providing anatomic pathology services (post mortem examinations and histopathology) dedicated solely to zoo and wildlife species. By having a trained pathologist working closely with our team of experienced clinicians, supported by our education and consultancy operation, and using the facilities of a GLP accredited laboratory, we are able to focus resources on the diagnosis of disease in exotic animals.
We provide a number of services for exotic species and fish including histopathology, cytology and gross post mortem examinations, with supporting microbiology, parasitology and referral virology and immunohistochemistry where appropriate. It is not our aim to provide full clinical pathology, routine microbiology or parasitology at the moment. We do, however, share the purpose-built modern laboratory facilities of NationWide Laboratories Leeds, who offer these services. This association and an excellent working relationship with their experienced staff ensure good clinicopathological correlation across all species groups.
Our pathologist, Mark Stidworthy MA VetMB PhD MRCPath MRCVS, joined the practice in November 2003. Mark has pathology residency training and diagnostic experience at Liverpool and Cambridge Veterinary Schools. He holds a Cambridge PhD on experimental models of repair in the central nervous system. Mark is a Member of the Royal College of Pathologists in the specialty of veterinary pathology.
Samples (entire animals for post mortem examination, or fixed tissues for histopathology) can be submitted by veterinary surgeons, field biologists or bona fide wildlife rescue centres. We can also advise on appropriate submissions for microbiology, fungal and viral testing, and assist with appropriate packaging.
Please note that new packaging regulations now apply to diagnostic samples.
Submission forms, Aquarium submission forms and instructions can be found on this site, or obtained directly from the main office. Please read the instructions and contact IZVG Pathology before submitting samples; E-mail or call on 01535 692000.
Carcasses for post mortem examination should normally be sent by courier, the office must be notified in advance. We can handle any species up to 60kg in the laboratory, apart from primates where the upper size limit, dictated by the safety cabinet, is 10kg. We can supply prepaid shipping containers for tissue samples on demand. If you have arranged to deliver a carcass yourself, the map is here.
IZVG supports Wildlife Vets International registered charity no. 1109670
Veterinary support for conservation worldwide
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