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 our two trained pathologists; Drs Mark Stidworthy and Daniela Denk, working closely with our team of experienced clinicians, supported by our research 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.
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Mark has been responsible for the pathology division of IZVG since 2003. He has pathology residency training and diagnostic experience from Liverpool and Cambridge Veterinary Schools, and completed his PhD, studying repair in the central nervous system, at Cambridge. Mark is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, in the specialty of veterinary pathology. Mark was the founder Secretary of the British Society of Veterinary Pathology, is an active member of the British Veterinary Zoological Society, and speaks and publishes regularly in the field of zoo and wildlife pathology.
Daniela joined the practice in March 2011. Daniela graduated from the Veterinary School of Munich University, Germany, where she also began her pathology training and wrote her thesis on dermatopathological alterations in canine atopic dermatitis. She completed a residency programme at Liverpool University before deciding to develop her interest in zoo and wildlife pathology alongside existing interests in neuropathology and dermatopathology. Daniela is a member of the European Society of Veterinary Pathologists and the International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathologists.
The laboratory facilities of IZVG Pathology are located near Leeds in Yorkshire. Graduate biologist Neil Wagstaffe, who has worked part-time for the practice since January 2007, provides technical support for our two pathologists.
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.
New licences now apply to pathology specimens sent from outside the UK.
All samples from outside the UK submitted for pathology now require an animal health import licence or a letter of authorisation.
For EU samples of formalin-fixed invertebrates, fish and reptiles a generic letter of authorisation only is required. Samples from mammals and birds from any country or samples from reptiles, fish or inverts from outside the EU will require a specific licence. Please contact the office immediately at office@izvg.co.uk to discuss licence requirements before sending any pathology samples.
We are in discussion with Animal Health about this matter, and will provide more specific guidance when we know more.
Please note that new packaging regulations now apply to diagnostic samples, which must be identified as follows.
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.
International Zoo Veterinary Group is a trading name of IZVG LLP, a limited liability partnership no. OC361054, registered England
IZVG supports Wildlife Vets International registered charity no. 1109670
Veterinary support for conservation worldwide
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