The
veterinary department is in charge of clinical work, preventative health and
nutrition, research, conservation medicine, and quarantine. In other countries
the Department of Veterinary Services issues licences and permits relating to
import of animals.
The Department’s jurisdiction over animal imports
covers both animals for the purpose of livestock and as pets.
Clinical
Work
The
veterinary department may treat any wild animals that have been injured or
wounded by factors other than natural factors such as acts of poaching. This
often involves procedures such as surgery, taking x-rays, performing ultrasound
examinations, taking blood samples, dental work, and giving medications, and is
as varied as the animal that is treated. Many of the animals need to be
anaesthetised to undertake these procedures, in some cases to reduce the stress
on the animal and at other times because the animal is dangerous.
Preventative
Health and Nutrition
The
Veterinary department takes proactive approaches to health care of wildlife
animals. Some of the procedures the department does as part of preventative
care include vaccinations, running blood tests and administering preventative
medicines. Vaccinations are a very important part of preventative health care.
Primates, macropods and elephants are vaccinated against tetanus; the Spotted
Hyenas and Slender-tailed Meerkats are vaccinated against distemper and
parvovirus; and the lions are vaccinated against the same diseases as domestic
cats.
Research
The
Veterinary department works with other organisations and institutions to
research animal diseases, nutrition and reproduction. This is important is
important in that its aids in the conservation of wildlife through being able
to take appropriate actions where necessary.
Conservation
Medicine
Conservation
Medicine is a growing scientific discipline which aims to understand the role
of health and disease in wild animals and how it relates to their conservation.
It looks at health and disease at an ecosystem level, rather than focusing on
an individual animal. In trying to achieve this ‘big picture’ understanding,
Conservation Medicine requires an interdisciplinary approach and draws on the
expertise of personnel from varying professions with a variety of experiences
and skills. The Veterinary department participates in a range of conservation
medicine activities in collaboration with ecologists, biologists, university
researchers and government environmental workers.
Quarantine
Quarantine
procedures are essential to maintaining the overall health of the wild animals
by preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. This is done during the
introduction of animals in a park. Incoming animals undergo quarantine when
they arrive at the Zoo. The animals are usually in quarantine for 30 days but
this can vary depending on the species. The Veterinary department need to be
very careful to avoid the potential spread of disease from animals in
quarantine to other wild animals. This is why quarantined animals are kept in
an isolated area. When caring for quarantined animals, veterinary staff follow
a set of procedures which include wearing protective clothing (e.g. dedicated
boots, overalls, face masks, gloves etc.), proper disposal of waste and uneaten
food and a job roster which minimises the risk of spreading disease. The
quarantine period is also an important time for the new arrival to adjust to
its new surroundings and possibly a new diet.
Share
with us your experiences, comments and recommendations. Send emails to wildlifemgtsociety@gmail.com
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