The decision was not easy and the jury had a lively discussion. The jury wrote: "Saskia has established herself as a dedicated and skilled zoo and wildlife veterinarian, earning her national specialist qualification in 2023 after years of hands-on work in leading German zoos. Alongside her clinical responsibilities, she is actively engaged in research, focusing on ophthalmosonography in bottlenose dolphins, a project aimed at enhancing marine mammal care and welfare. Her commitment to advancing veterinary science has been recognized through research grants and awards, and she regularly contributes to the field through presentations, mentoring, and collaboration with experts across Europe. Saskia’s achievements exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication honoured by this prestigious award."  

Saskia studies veterinary medicine in Giessen Germany. In her dissertation she looked into the topic: Ophthalmic ultrasonography in Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) under human care - Normal and pathological findings. In 2019 she became an assistant veterinarian at "Der grüne Zoo" Wuppertal and went on to become the intermin head veterinarian in Wuppertal, before moving on to be the head veterinarian at the Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen in 2023. She has been an active member in our organization since 2018.

Saskia, we wish you all the best for your future career and look forward hearing and reading from you!

As a part of the student grants awarded yearly by the Student Section, four EAZWV student members were awarded grants to attend the Joint AAZV EAZWV Conference held in Toronto last September. Stay tuned for the presentation by the two in person grantees.

Paula Yagüez, who was awarded a 50% grant to register for the virtual conference writes:

The 2024 Joint AAZV/EAZWV Conference represents a significant milestone in the world of zoological and wildlife veterinary medicine. Key themes for the conference revolved around wildlife disease management, emerging infectious diseases, conservation medicine, and veterinary pathology. It provided a great opportunity for early-career professionals to engage with the profession and potentially create a network.

In my case, after six years of experience in small animal practice and finishing my MSc, I was eager to reconnect with the profession, meet professionals, and regain connections. The experience was incredibly enriching, allowing me to get up to speed on the research being conducted within the zoo environment. The plenary talks were very enlightening, covering topics such as Animal Welfare from a Nutritionist's Perspective, Contingency Plans for Zoos and Safari Parks, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Applications to Zoo/Wildlife, and the Management of Behavioral Issues in Zoo Animals. These presentations provided me with a wealth of information to work with and inspired hopes of implementing them within my own conservation program one day.

Having recently developed an interest in pathology, I was particularly looking forward to the Diagnostics sessions that took place on Wednesday. My favorite talk was “Comparison between Manual and Automated White Blood Cell Differential Using the Cellavision DC-1V Analyzer in Seven Avian Orders,” as I had prior experience with white blood cell counts in raptors, and the research was conducted at Zoo de Beauval in France, which I hold close to my heart.

Overall, the experience was very positive, and I am incredibly grateful to the EAZWV student section for the grant, as I wouldn't have been able to attend without it. I hope to be able to attend the next conference in person, as the interaction is not the same when you are on the other side of the world.

 Esther Bernal who was also awarded a grant to register for the virtual conference writes: 

Dear Colleagues,  

First of all, I would like to thank the Association and all its members for the opportunity to participate in the virtual Conference through the grant.   At present, I am working to become a better veterinarian with dogs and cats, so for me, being able to attend the Conference was a thrill and connection to Wildlife 
World, which is my true passion.  A halo of expectation to continue delving into Animal and Nature Conservation in a real, biodiverse and updated way.  
From the Conference, I admire each person who in a few minutes shares years of work, experiences and numerous efforts with all of us, in the same way I admire each person who travels and changes the schedule to continue learning and progressing.  
The large compendium of presentations, ranging from megavertebrate species to corals, from analysis equipment to anaesthesia, show the broad and rich field of projects in which we are immersed and are part of, as well as the different perspectives in what the animal world is concerned.  
In general, the greatness, responsibility and concern for the living beings of our planet is the central axis of the Conference, which also enhances the importance of One Health.  
In particular, I would like to highlight Dr. Clauss’s on animal welfare from a nutritionist´s perspective as very thoughtful and pragmatic intervention.  

To conclude, I would like to paraphrase one of the many motivating sentences of the Conference: “We have the profession, and we do what most people wish they could do.” 
Thank you very much again.

Note from the jurors: This year there were seven excellent applications for the Rudolph Ippen Young Scientist Award. Like last year three candidates were outstanding. However, the jury vote was unanimous for David, as he does not only have a remarkable track record but his involvement in the EAZWV community and his willingness to help colleagues with their questions and to pass on his knowledge to students and colleagues speak for his character and make him an excellent recipient of the award. We look forward seeing more of you and your work in the future! Congratulations David!

This year's Jurors were: Endre Sos, Endre, Marcus Clauss, Dominik Fischer, Luise Martin
 

Below follows a brief from David on his career to date - we hope it will inspire other young scientists in their work and that they will also apply for this award.
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David studied veterinary medicine in Vienna 2012-2018 with a specialization in Conservation Medicine. His fascination for parasitology started early in his studies. His eagerness to educate not only himself but also to share his knowledge with the community is present throughout his still early career. He was a student assistant in several projects of the Institute of Parasitology, before leading his own third-party funded research projects. David started as a student lecturer in 2017, and has been involved in teaching in the veterinary curriculum since 2021. His doctoral thesis on the “Examination on the endo- and ectoparasite fauna of free-ranging pinnipeds (Carnivora: Pinnipedia) using non-invasive methods” included field work in Chile and Germany. Since 2020 he is the head of the laboratory (Parasitological Diagnostics) at the Veterinary Clinic of the Vienna Zoo. This year he is establishing the research line for parasitological research at the Vienna Zoo. 

The Student Section organzized a very successful Summer Workshop in Gôrlitz Zoo summer last August. As a part of the student grants awarded yearly by the Student Section, two EAZWV student members were awarded grants waiving the registration fees.

We asked the grant awardees to provide a brief report.

Maria João Queirós wrote:

Attending the zoo and wildlife immobilization workshop at Görlitz Zoo was an unforgettable and invaluable experience. One of the most important lessons I took away was the need to understand the unique characteristics of each species when planning immobilizations. The differences in how various animals respond to sedation and stress highlight the need for customized approaches, careful planning, precise dosing, and close monitoring to ensure the safety of both the animal and the veterinary team.
The practical sessions were especially rewarding. I had for example the opportunity to practice darting and vaccinate llamas, yaks, and goats, which added a hands-on dimension to the workshop. These experiences allowed me to directly apply the techniques we were learning, making the theoretical aspects more tangible. We were also challenged to present a practical case, giving me the chance to apply my new knowledge in a real-world scenario and deepening my understanding of the subject.
This workshop has equipped me with invaluable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly enhance my career as a veterinarian. It was a deeply memorable experience that went beyond technical training and left a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth.
Last but not least, the mix of nationalities gave me the opportunity to connect with colleagues from various backgrounds, broadening my perspective on wildlife care and fostering a sense of global community.
Thank you to everyone for this beautiful experience—I'll miss the people and the wonderful moments we shared! (P.S: May the magic towel be always with you!)

Michał Walenczewski wrote:
The EAZWV Immobilization workshop was great experience. The first day we started with student presentations, which was a good way to warm up before the lectures. All lectures were very interesting and each one of them were focused on different aspects of wild animal immobilization. Speakers were very nice and educated, they all knew how to make their topic as interesting as it can be. We also had a lot of practical training. We learned how to tie down donkeys, camels, alpacas for basic procedures. Additionally, we get to practice how to use a hammer box on goats, which involved a lot of communication training as well. We got to take part in a camel and porcupine anesthesia, which was a great way to learn all monitoring procedures as well as positioning of animal and effects of the drugs that was used. My favorite part has to be using a blowpipe. I have to add that the workshop was organized very well. I met a lot of great people with shared interest in wildlife veterinary. I recommend this type of workshop for anyone interested in wildlife medicine, because I had a great time not only learning, but also making connections with many amazing people from all around Europe.

Other workshop attendees were also praiseful of their great experience at the workshop:

Vigotha (Veetha) Tharmarajah wrote:

I had a great time at the EAZWV Student Workshop on Zoo and Wildlife Immobilisation a few weeks ago - I met some lovely colleagues and got to learn from wonderful lecturers!
Looking forward to the AAZV/EAZWV Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference next week!

Jesús Carazo Casas wrote:

I am incredibly grateful to the EAZWV Student Section for the opportunity to attend the EAZWV Summer Workshop 2024 on Zoo & Wildlife Immobilisation, held at Naturschutz-Tierpark Görlitz, Germany.
This experience has not only allowed me to gain valuable insights from recognized experts in the field, but it has also provided me with the opportunity to connect with students from across Europe who share my passion for zoo and wildlife veterinary medicine.
I am eager to apply what I have learned in my future professional endeavors and continue strengthening my commitment to animal conservation and welfare.

Matilde Bosseur wrote:

Grateful for the incredible opportunity to attend this student workshop, where I not only gained valuable knowledge but also had the chance to meet and connect with amazing people. A truly enriching experience!

Note from the Jurors:

With nine excellent candidates, the Rudolph Ippen Young Scientist Award was highly competitive this year. Three of these were outstanding, which did not make the decision easier, but the opinion of the Jury was straightforward. Out of these three colleagues Louise had far the most published papers, including first author, co-author and even last author publications! Louise’s contribution to the zoo and wildlife medicine field are diverse, important and in many aspects practical too. Furthermore, the jury highlighted Louise’s engagement in outreach to the zoo and wildlife community. Moreover, considering her current position as an ECZM resident at the Copenhagen Zoo there is a good chance that her achievements will serve as an excellent example for other young and enthusiastic veterinarians, who want to help wildlife! Congratulations Louise! 

This year's Jurors were: Endre Sos, Fabia Wyss, Martine van Zijll Langhout, Christiane Riedel and Catarina Jota Baptista.

Click here for more information on The Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist Award

Below follows an article from Louise on her career to date and we hope it will inspire other young scientists in their work and that they will also apply for this award.

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Fascinated by physiology and pathophysiology, I chose human medicine when enrolling at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. It did not take long for me to realise that while the “medicine” aspect was exactly what I hoped for, the “human” was not. The change over to veterinary medicine came very naturally to me. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring all aspects of veterinary medicine during my studies by helping to take care of experimental animals, as a tutor to educate researchers working with laboratory animals, and slowly developing a passion for all things exotic. Attending courses outside the mandatory curriculum that focused on topics like the one health concept in Africa, emergency bat medicine, reptiles as exotic patients, and zoo health management and becoming a member of the EAZWV in 2015 ignited my passion for zoological medicine.

Volunteering as a student assistant at the Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife was the key to getting recruited by Professor Marcus Clauss for my PhD project, which several grant institutions financed (among them the Swiss National Fond and the Candoc grant for young veterinarians starting in research). My thesis topic was experimental dental wear in rabbits as a model species for herbivorous animals with ever-growing dentition. While I enjoyed working on the core project, the experience of collaborating with specialities other than veterinarians (such as biologists, palaeontologists, statisticians and more), expanding the topic to other species like quail, bearded dragon and tapirs, and later mentoring master and doctoral students has fundamentally shaped my professional development.

Switching over to a more clinical position as an ECZM/ACZM resident at Copenhagen Zoo, I am delighted to have still the time and the funds (thanks to the Alfred Benzon Foundation) to add knowledge to the field of zoological medicine by branching into new research topics with the support of my current supervisors. So, while I took some detours to get there, the Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist Award represents a huge milestone in my career. I am grateful to the award committee and my mentors who recommended me. I want to pay it forward and inspire future young researchers to follow their dreams.

Louise Martin 2nd July 2023

Congratulations to Catarina Jota Baptista for winning the 2022 Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist award honouring a young scientist whose scientific output, particularly the papers published in the past 12 months, document the beginning of a promising career in wildlife veterinary science, conservation medicine or  zoo animal medicine.

All jury members agreed that Catarina is a deserving recipient of this year’s Ippen award. She fulfilled the criteria more than enough (e.g., several first-author publications in a coherent research area). She is a promising young scientist, who already is involved in teaching the next generation. All jurors agreed that her qualifications are not only strong in research, but also in her involvement in several organizations, as a member, and also as an active member of organizing committees, which makes her a tremendous fit for the award which should not only award a promising research career, but also a team player active in the wildlife community. .

This year's Jurors were: Friederike Pohlin, Martine van Zijll Langhout, Hugo Fernández Bellon and Manel Lopez Bejar,

Click here for more information on The Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist Award

Below follows an article from Catarina on her career to date and we hope it will inspire other young scientists in their work and that they will also apply for this award.

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I believe I can say it all started when I was 16 when I became a Lisbon Zoo summer camp monitor and, later on, an Educator/guide in the same department. Here I met my best friends, who are still in my life today.

I started to become particularly interested in wildlife and conservation medicine during my veterinary studies in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of ULisboa (FMV-ULisboa) when I first met the professor who latter become my master co-supervisor, Prof. Luís Madeira de Carvalho.

I joined EAZWV in 2015 precisely because of this to improve my zoo and wildlife medicine knowledge and to meet others with these interests and/or expertise. And it indeed represented a fantastic opportunity! In 2016, I joined the FAUNA direction board, a student association department focused on wildlife and conservation medicine. I was fortunate to meet Dr Endre Sós during the V FAUNA International Conference, who later became my curricular traineeship and thesis supervisor. I did my traineeship in Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden and the Hortobágy National Park (HNP). Dr Endre Sós, Dr Viktória Sós-Koroknai, Dr Martón Hoitsy, László Burzuk, Tamás Verőczey, and all zookeepers were the best teachers I could ask for. My thesis was related to the parasite monitoring of the Przewalski horses' population (Equus ferus przewalskii) at the HNP. I could not have done it without Dr Viola Kerekes and Timea Szabados, who helped me more than anyone in this work. It was highly satisfying to work with a subspecies that has already been extinct in the wild (and successfully reintroduced). This work was presented at the EAZWV Conference 2019.

In 2021, I won a phD scholarship (from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal) and started my phD (at the University of Trás os Montes and Alto Douro, Portugal). After working directly at a subspecies level, I wanted to learn and work at an ecosystem level. My project is focused on heavy metals and metalloid pollution in mammals (including hedgehogs) in the Iberian Peninsula. It contributes to knowledge in the preservation of ecosystems and One Health. I've recently joined the European Hedgehog Research Group and published a book, "Wildlife Research for a Healthier Future", with my PhD supervisors (Fernanda Seixas, José M. Gonzalo Orden and Paula A.Oliveira).

I hope to be able to contribute to a better and healthier future for all species on this planet (including humans). Moreover, I hope to inspire new veterinary students and professionals to contribute to this through an academic career that I hope to achieve. The Rudolph Ippen Young Scientist Award represents the most important recognition I could ask for at this stage. I want to thank everyone mentioned here for the opportunities and support they have given me. Without them, I'm sure I couldn't have done it!

Catarina Jota Baptista

09/06/22

Congratulations to Friederike Pohlin for winning the 2021 Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist award honouring a young scientist whose scientific output, particularly the papers published in the past 12 months, document the beginning of a promising career in wildlife veterinary science, conservation medicine, or

Click here for more information on The Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist Award

Click on the video below to view the award presentation.

Below follows an article from Fidu on her career to date and we hope it will inspire other young scientists in their work and that they will also apply for this award.

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My passion for wildlife conservation goes back to my early childhood where I learned that human actions threaten more species with global extinction than ever before. This realisation coupled with my interest in science and the desire to advocate for animals, was the foundation for my passion in wildlife veterinary medicine.

In 2013, I graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Thereafter, I completed an MSc-degree in Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Management at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna while working as a veterinarian in mixed and small animal practice. During those years, I developed a strong interest in the stress-physiology of wild mammals and in veterinary anaesthesia. In 2017, I managed to combine my two passions by enrolling in the PhD programme of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia alternative residency programme. Whilst the PhD programme taught me how to plan and execute my own research project, the residency provided me with a valuable clinical skillset. I learned how to describe and deal with complicated acid-base imbalances in wild and domestic animals, how to assess animal welfare from a scientific and clinical point of view, and what to pay attention to when working with wildlife in a research and hospital setting.

Since 2020, I am part of the Wildlife Medicine Group of the Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology at the Veterinary University of Vienna. The group is responsible for a variety of veterinary, clinical and research related tasks working with large carnivores, wild ungulates, small hibernators and birds. I consider myself extremely fortunate for the most wonderful and supportive mentorship I have received during this journey: Prof. Leith Meyer, who supervised my PhD thesis and nominated me for this award; Dr. Peter Buss, Dr. Emma Hooijberg and Dr. Markus Hofmeyr who co-supervised my thesis and shared their knowledge and passion for rhinos with me; Prof. Gareth Zeiler, who supervised my residency; Prof. Chris Walzer, who supervised my MSc thesis; and my colleagues Dr. Gabrielle Stalder and Dr. Johanna Painer, who themselves were awarded the Rudolph Ippen award in the past and inspire me on a daily basis. I believe that the combination of the advanced research-training and the clinical specialisation, made me a strong candidate for this award. As part of my PhD thesis, I have authored numerous publications on the challenges to animal welfare associated with the capture and transport in black- and white rhinos . By identifying these challenges, future studies can now be directed towards improving animal welfare during rhino translocation. I hope that, over the long term, my research will contribute to establishing new scientific-based state-of-the-art guidelines for the transport of free-ranging wild rhinos.

Within the past 9 years, I have regularly attended the EAZWV conference, or student workshops organised by the association, as they present a great opportunity to learn from zoo- and wildlife professionals, enhance one’s skills, and connect with students and mentors from the same field of interest. In fact, I met my PhD supervisor, Prof. Leith Meyer, at the mentor-mixer of the 1st joint EAZWV/AAZV/IZW conference 2015 in Barcelona! Receiving this award, represents not only a milestone for my professional career, but is also a truly emotional and personal achievement resulting from the support and the opportunities offered to me by my mentors. Thank you so much!

Friederike (Fidu) Pohlin, 8/12/21

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Video 1. Ippen Award Jury Comment

Video 2: Response from Fidu

On June 16th, after an uneven and debilitating battle against cancer, the zoo world lost Willem-jan Kitslaar at the young age of 43. Willem-jan was not only a brilliant zoo veterinarian, but also one of those few extraordinary souls who carry the gift of being instantly loved by any person they meet.

Willem-jan, after finishing his veterinary degree at Utrecht university in 2007, started his veterinary career as a teacher and clinician at the vet faculty’s teaching hospital for exotic animals. He then continued towards starting a residency in small mammals (ECZM) which he did not finish through no fault of his own.

A teacher at heart, Willem-jan patiently explained all aspects of exotic animal medicine to countless students, keepers and even the general public as he starred in television series. 

After a few years in private exotics practice and substitute work at various Dutch zoos (Wildlands/Emmen Zoo, Rotterdam Zoo, Ouwehands Zoo), Willem-jan made his long-term dream come true by becoming the veterinarian at Amersfoort Zoo in 2017, and also at Apenheul Zoo in 2020. He took great pride in bringing the veterinary care at both parks up to standard, working together with specialists and using his amazing people skills to equip his two zoo practices with the best equipment (which he would usually manage to receive as donations!). He had a big heart for “his” animals, working tirelessly even when really he could no longer, as well as for his colleagues and his many friends. 

Willem-jans friendships were unconditional. His “trademark” curly hair and his charisma, his warm energy, his charms, his positivity, his sense of humour, his accessibility and his strong motivation for doing things right meant that he touched the hearts of many, many people. He will be sorely missed, and those who knew him can at the same time be very thankful to have had him in their lives.

Job Stumpel

21 June 2021

When Jürg Völlm, my predecessor as zoo veterinarian, took me on a first round to the Zoo Basel in April 2002, it already happened after a few meters: The crowd of the crab-eating macaques realized that I will be the “new one”. From this moment, I was welcomed with alarm calls and grumbling noises, even when I passed their enclosure alone. Also with other animals, Jürg knew how to get attention with his special kind of affection, sometimes amiably teasing. From afar he called out to the Hawaiian geese at the lower pond, "Highwaymen!", whereupon the geese hurried to the bars to defend territory and any offspring against him.

After growing up in Basel, Jürg studied veterinary medicine at the veterinary faculty of the University of Zurich. At that time his semester consisted of a manageable number of seven students. After working as a veterinarian in a large animal practice in eastern Switzerland, Jürg returned to Basel to work as an animal welfare officer in the toxicology and animal husbandry departments at the former Hoffmann-La Roche.

He loved all animals, but he was dedicated especially to elephants: as a schoolboy he worked as an elephant keeper at the Zoo Basel and accompanied the animals on their walks in the suburban forests or to weigh them on the weighbridge in Basel’s old market hall. Jürg was involved when an elephant breeding group was set up in the circus Knie in the 1960s. He was also interested in the life of the gray giants in the wild. Jürg repeatedly traveled to India, Sri Lanka and Africa. Soon, Jürg was an internationally recognized expert in the field of elephant medicine. He was called by various zoos and circuses when an elephant fell ill. The adventurous travel reports of his transport companions of the still largest African bull elephant in Europe "Calimero" from Rome over the Alps to Basel and later to Beekse Bergen in Holland remain unforgettable. For more than 25 years, Jürg Völlm was also a board member and veterinarian at the Tierpark Lange Erlen in Basel, which made him an honorary member. In 2000, Jürg Völlm took over the veterinary deputy of the current zoo director Olivier Pagan at Basel Zoo during his sabbatical and subsequently worked on Mondays until he was 70 years old or took over my deputy as zoo veterinarian in the event of absence. Up to the age of 80, the Zoo Basel could count on his loyal service as a guide for exciting zoo tours. Jürg was very committed, a patient teacher and speaker who conveyed joy and respect for the animal world to countless people, from apprentice zookeepers to firefighters, always with a wink and a pinch of mischief.

Another hobby of Jürg was computer technology, especially that of databases. He spent countless hours with Olivier Pagan to convert the veterinary card system into a digital solution. A Herculean task for which an army of software developers would be necessary today! Later he meticulously checked the medical histories of the zoo animals, which were electronically recorded by me and Stefan Hoby, for inconsistencies. Jürg was a computer freak from the very beginning.

Jürg Völlm died on March 20, 2020 after a short, serious illness. He leaves behind his wife Elsbeth and two sons. We miss him as a steadfast, helpful and lovable person, as a committed zoo and animal expert, but also as a personal friend and mentor. We will keep him in honor and extend our warm condolences to his family and loved ones.


Christian Wenker, 16. February 2021

Congratulations to Christoph Leineweber for winning the 2020 Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist award honouring a young scientist whose scientific output, particularly the papers published in the past 12 months, document the beginning of a promising career in wildlife veterinary science, conservation medicine, or

Click here for more information on The Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist Award

Click on the video below to view the award presentation.

I joined EAZWV in 2011 to attend the conference in Lisbon and absolutely loved it! It felt so inspiring and encouraging that I decided I would do my best to attend these conferences and be part of this culture. I started developing some associative work in Lisbon with FAUNA, and then joined the board of the Student Section of EAZWV in 2015 where I was highly involved in the organisation of the Student Workshop in Lisbon 2015 and the Student Summer School in Paris 2016.

When in 2018 I heard about the board recruiting a Working Group Coordinator, I knew I had to grab the opportunity to once again help our Association deliver its strategy and achieve some of the goals to which it has committed, while working closely with some of its key members. I was very happy and honoured to be selected, and am very excited to work with the Board, the Advisory Board, the Working Groups and all participating members towards a more effective EAZWV.

A bit more about myself, I studied in Lisbon (FMV-ULisboa), spent one year at the IZW in Berlin where I developed my Masters thesis focused on the reproductive management of the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros of Borneo, completed a small animal clinical internship at CHV Porto, and had the opportunity to pursue two periods of post-graduate training at Kolmårdens Djurpark in Sweden and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. The main career goals to which I am committed are to engage in specialised training in the area of Zoological Medicine, to work in a WAZA/EAZA accredited zoological institution and to achieve board certified veterinary specialisation in Zoological Medicine.

Working Group Coordinator Job Description

The position of EAZWV Working Group Coordinator is an important advance in delivery of EAZWV’s strategic objectives. The  WG Coordinator reports directly for the EAZWV Executive Director and also works closely with the volunteer EAZWV working group chairs on a wide range of strategy delivery projects ranging from EU animal health policy to member service provision. The post is part-time role (aprox 50hrs/month).

We are thrilled to welcome Rafaela Fiuza to this role and confident that she will be of great assistance to the Working Groups in moving us towards our strategic objectives!

EAZWV has been a key component in the development of my career since I attended the Bussolengo meeting in 2012. The first ever student-mentor-mixer (Vienna, 2013) was where I met my future mentor and residency/PhD supervisor, Mads Bertelsen. A year later, as a first year zoo resident, I attended the Warsaw meeting where Imke Lüders received the Ippen Young Scientist Award. This was the first time I became aware of this award, and I was inspired by the acknowledgement of scientific achievement within a primarily clinical career.

I consider myself extremely fortunate for the opportunities that I have had in zoo medicine to date. Having completed three years (2013-16) of residency training in zoological medicine and pathology at the Copenhagen Zoo, I achieved Diplomate status in the American College of Zoological Medicine in November 2018. Currently, I am in the final year of a PhD, which arose from one of my residency cases, a fatal case of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) in 2014. While I have always aspired to become a clinical zoo veterinarian, a PhD was not something I anticipated in my career. However, evaluation of this case, and recognition of the dearth of information on the pathophysiology and successful management options for this disease, led me naturally towards a PhD program.

Briefly, this project is looking at why some Asian elephants survive early exposure to EEHV, develop latent infections and survive to adulthood, whereas many other elephants become infected in their juvenile years, and develop an acute and rapidly fatal haemorrhagic syndrome. I’m lucky enough to be an ‘industrial’ PhD student, where I (try to!) straddle the world of academia (University of Copenhagen) and industry (Copenhagen Zoo). My university supervisor, Annemarie Kristensen, has been fantastic in supporting my ambitions as a ‘clinician researcher’, contributing to the field of evidence based zoological medicine. I think it is fascinating to identify a clinical problem, investigate it and (hopefully) come up with answers to improve our patients care. Applying the results of your own research is very satisfying! I believe that the combination of clinical specialisation in zoological medicine, and further training in research, are what made me a strong candidate for this award. I plan to return to a more clinical position once the PhD is completed, and look forward to continuing with research throughout my career.

I would like to thank the Ippen award jury for acknowledging me with this award. For me to be in a position to receive such an award, is a result of the support and opportunities offered to me by the Copenhagen Zoo, the Annie and Otto Detlefs’ Foundation, Innovation Fund Denmark and the University of Copenhagen veterinary school. Special thanks to my mentor, Mads Bertelsen, who has invested so much in the residency program at Copenhagen Zoo. My advice to aspiring zoo clinicians and researchers is to look for a good mentor who can guide you, challenge you and open doors for you, they are worth their weight in gold! 

CLICK HERE for more information on the Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist Award

Hi Johanna, can you start by telling us a bit about your career to date and the research work that contributed to you winning the Ippen Young Scientist Award in 2017?

The benefit of the programme is that one can be involved in, and learn more about some very important fields of veterinary medicine which has not been his/her primary work assignment before. Therefore I am now more involved in pathology cases of all types of wildlife, from the gross pathology to histological procedures, thanks to our Pathology Department and its involvement in the programme. Due to the concept of the programme I am now looking forward to be involved in more veterinary procedures I am still not familiar with.

My daily tasks include clinical work and diagnostic procedures for birds, reptiles and amphibians. This includes laboratory diagnostics using standard and molecular microbiological techniques, and the treatment of diseased animals. Since our Institution is in charge for the diagnostics and treatment of diseased and injured marine turtles at the Marine Rescue Centre Pula, I have to go there from time to time to examine and treat the animals and to make decision whether the particular animal is ready to be returned to the sea. My additional work in Zagreb Zoo helps me a lot, so that the knowledge I gained working with captive animals can be translated to wild ones.

Research is important component of activities at our Institution, so that I am involved in many interesting research projects related especially to our native animal species, their health and conservation. One of interesting field tasks I would like to mention is an ultrasound health examination of the olms (Proteus anguinus). It was performed in cooperation with our colleagues and experts, Prof. Thomas B. Hildebrandt and Dr. Susanne Holtze, as part of the Olm Conservation Project in Croatia jointly realized by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb Zoo and the Croatian Institute for Biodiversity. The examination was completed with the assistance of speleodivers in a very cold and very snowy part of Croatia. Owing to good organization and remarkable team we made a great job and one step more in conservation of these very special and endangered amphibians.

Our job also includes teaching and research activities with the students. As part of these activities we try to motivate the students and to involve them more in the wildlife health and management issues.

At the very beginning of the programme I joined the Wildlife Population Health Residents Group comprised of the colleagues from the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. The Group is very enthusiastic and started to organize journal clubs, wildlife literature collection and workshops. This is a great way to keep you informed and up to date, and to encourage you to learn more and more.

However, 24 hour day is sometimes too short for all of the interesting and important tasks you want to accomplish. Therefore, my suggestion for the future residents would be to enrol only if they really love what they do and have a great enthusiasm in that field. 

As I already mentioned above, I just started my residency programme and already have a lot of interesting tasks to do, owing to my supervisor Associated Professor Dean Konjevic and all of the colleagues involved in the programme. They make a great effort to involve me in their everyday activities related to the wildlife, so that I am looking forward to continue the programme and acquire new skills for better management of wildlife-human relations and their improvement.

Maja Lukač, DVM, PhD 
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb
Resident in Wildlife Population Health Specialty

Figures:
1 -  Releasing of Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) after rehabilitation
2 -  Ultrasound field examination of the olms (Proteus anguinus)
3 - Examination of young Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) prior to releasing

The 3-year residency combines clinical and pathology duties at the Toronto Zoo with a post-professional degree, the Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc), which provides advanced training and research on an applied clinical problem at the doctoral level and requires the defense of a thesis. We are encouraged to choose a thesis topic that fits our special interests, and past residents have defended original research projects on subjects such as chameleon reproduction, regulation of iron storage in bats, and avian bornavirus infection in waterfowl.

As a large animal veterinarian with an interest in wildlife and hoofstock medicine, I chose cervid babesiosis: a tick-borne protozoal disease that is emerging in reindeer and elk in northern latitudes as global climate change alters the distribution of insect vectors. My research combines field work with cervids and migratory birds to investigate disease prevalence in Ontario and the epidemiology of tick-pathogen dispersal, as well as a pharmacokinetic study of the anti-protozoal drug imidocarb in white-tailed deer in order to validate this as a treatment option for cervids with clinical babesiosis.

The Toronto Zoo animal population includes over 500 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. There is a strong focus on endangered Canadian species, and the veterinary team is closely involved with conservation and breeding programmes for the eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, black-footed ferret, eastern loggerhead shrike, and Vancouver Island marmot. Ongoing collaborative conservation research projects that I have been involved with include using assisted reproductive technologies in wood bison, and measuring body composition in polar bears.

I am blessed with the most wonderful and supportive mentors in the Toronto Zoo’s wildlife health branch: Chris Dutton (Dip ACZM/ECZM), Pauline Delnatte (Dip ACZM/ECZM) and Simon Hollamby (Dip ACZM). The transition from being an ambulatory farm animal vet in rural New Zealand to the diversity of zoological medicine wasn’t easy, but with their guidance I’m finally finding my feet and feeling comfortable treating non-mammalian species! Along with the Copenhagen residents Kathryn Perrin and Eva Maria Greunz I was trained in zoological gross and histopathology by Dale Smith at the University of Guelph, and I feel very fortunate that the ACZM/ECZM residents were able to benefit from her nearly 30 years of expertise in zoo pathology before her retirement in 2016.

There’s no such thing as a typical day in this residency; in my first 18 months I’ve performed emergency surgeries on lions and jaguars, learned how to safely handle venomous snakes, prepared lectures for veterinary students on elephant footcare at a sanctuary in Thailand, and spent many hours in the post mortem room and staring down a microscope trying to solve diagnostic puzzles. It’s been a steep learning curve but the residency has taught me to be a better clinician, pathologist, and researcher. Zoological medicine is a huge and varied discipline, with an amazing international community of veterinary colleagues, and it’s so exciting to see the ECZM (ZHM) specialty open up new residency programmes in Europe and North America.

Ellie Milnes MA VetMB MANZCVS (Medicine of Dairy Cattle) MRCVS

Foot trimming a Himalayan yak under anaesthesia

In the fall of 2012, I started my PhD studies in the United States. This was nearly a year after receiving my DVM and a few months after my planned start date due to funding and grant visa regulations, a common challenge.

 
The frozen Monona bay in the morning sun with the Madison skyline (credit: Katie Wheeler)

What are the options in the United States if you have a European DVM?

-       Practicing veterinarian
-       Residency
-       Internship (great opportunity while in vet school too)
-       Post-doc
-       Graduate student: Master or PhD programs

Work as a veterinarian: To work as a licensed veterinarian in the United States, you will need to pass a theoretical exam (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, NAVLE) and if your vet school is not US accredited you’ll first have to complete an ‘education equivalency certification program’ including practical exams. 

 Do a residency or internship: In contrast to what you would expect, the residency providing institution sets licensure and examination requirements for their trainees. Thus, you can be a wildlife pathology resident without taking the NAVLE. The American Association of Veterinarians would like you to apply through their matching program, but it is absolutely possible to directly connect to a University or a Wildlife Health laboratory and set up an internship and reach out for a residency.

In vet school, I did a 3-month research internship at the US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center (USGS-NWHC) after contacting the wildlife pathologist there. Recently, a Utrecht University DVM-student did a summer internship at UW-Madison on a Merial Summer Scholarship.

Become a post-doc: What? Yes, your DVM qualifies you to apply for post-doc positions in the United States (a Dr. is a Dr.). This sounds counter intuitive, however, it can be very beneficial to be hired as a post-doc instead of a graduate student (less paper work, no required classwork and depending on the set up cheaper for the grant but more pay for the post doc) especially when you are communicating with a professor, a wildlife agency or some other entity to create a ‘wildlife position’ for you. 

Work on a research degree as a Masters or PhD student: There are many possibilities to become a graduate student in the US. You can apply for open positions; you can contact a professor and even write a research proposal together. However, grad school comes with some challenges, aside from your research; the time to degree is longer than in Europe (e.g. ~5-6 years for a PhD), tuition-fees are high (e.g. ~$25,279 for an academic year as an international non-dissertator at UW-Madison), there are classwork and qualifying exams when pursuing your PhD*, and you are (temporarily) emigrating! 

The possibilities for wildlife research are plentiful; conservation of ecosystems and endangered species, wildlife management (mostly because hunting and fishing are major values of many US citizens, thus they value their wild game), wildlife diseases (e.g. CWD, WNS, plague, Sin Nombre Hantavirus, avian influenza, brucellosis) and so on. The options range from hands on in the field, or experiments in the lab, to statistics and modeling. 

The Awapa plateau, Utah, with hidden prairie dog burrows and our blue fieldwork truck.

Funding

There are many funding opportunities in the US: e.g. federal, state, university, corporate, non-profit. Because you need to prove that you are going to be paid, or that you have secured funds to support yourself for a minimum of one year or the duration of your stay in order to get a visa, you should talk about funding with your ‘host’ early in the conversation.

As a graduate student or post doc, check if you can apply for fellowships, research or teaching assistantships at the University; or if there are funds for international students and visitors.  In addition, you can contact the people you want to work with and suggest applying for external funding together (this is a short shortlist):

In the United States

o   Morris Animal Foundation (great for DVMs interested in research!)

o   NIH / NSF Research funds in which a graduate student or post-doc stipend can be written, however you are a foreigner and you can not apply for federal graduate student training grants

o   Specific organizations in your field to support your research: e.g. Lewis & Clark, Global Lyme Association.

In Europe: Google google and google, contact your (old) university’s international office and look for those organizations that want you to pursue international experiences. The EU has several programs, but they are challenging to weed through.

Fulbright: Very prestigious award in the US and it will help you get your next US fellowship. However, the award amount varies per home country, it comes with many administrative hurdles and visa restrictions, thus before applying look into these restrictions.

I decided to return to the US as a graduate student so I could work towards a research degree. In 2012, two Dutch funds (Prins Bernard Cultuurfonds and VSB fonds) and Fulbright supported me. This funding led to a NWHC funded 30% research assistantship at the University to get the tuition fee waived, so I could start grad school. In the spring of 2013, the Morris Animal Foundation supported my fellowship for 2-years (D14ZO-412) and our proposed plague vaccine non-target species research for 3-years (D14ZO-031). The NWHC supported me for another year, I took a supporting teaching assistant position and now I am supported by a dissertation completion fellowship from the Graduate School and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with funding from the Shuman Trust.

Plague, Fleas, Mice and Me

During my veterinary internship, I was part of the oral sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) research in Dr. Tonie Rocke’s lab at the NWHC. The oral vaccine targets prairie dogs (Cynomys spp) and I had the chance to go out to Utah to placebo bait and trap these squirrel-like animals. For a week I had dust in my mouth and heard the coyotes howling at night. The local wildlife biologist explained to me why prairie dogs are keystone species in the grassland ecosystem and how the vaccine will not only protect threatened prairie dogs, but also aids in the re-introduction of the endangered black-footed ferret. He put all the pieces of the puzzle together: humans, cattle grazing (domestic animals and the environment), wildlife, disease and I was blown away! Yep, one health was a pretty new concept at the time and it-unfolded right there, in front of my ‘naive’ eyes. I was determined to return to the prairie and plague research after vet school.

A prairie dog consuming a biomarker colored bait (credit: T.E. Rocke) and on the right my study subjects, the non-target small rodents, a deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus) restraint for sampling (credit: C. Tremper).

Plague can decimate complete prairie dog colonies, but we still don’t fully understand what drives these outbreaks and how the pathogen, Yersinia pestis, survives on the prairie between die-offs. Thus, when the vaccine efficacy trial started in seven US states, I trapped and sampled the other small rodents on 30 paired vaccine and placebo plots on prairie dog colonies for three summers. 1) To learn if vaccine distribution impacts the non-target rodent community and 2) to further assess what the role of the mice and their fleas is in plague ecology?

In 2015 the USGS-led efficacy trial was successfully completed (Rocke et al. In Review) and the photogenic part of my graduate studies was over in the summer of 2016. Now it is time to finish the great graduate school experience and leave the US within 30 days after dissertation completion, on to the next adventure.

Feel free to contact me with any question about the above research or described DVM career options in the US. 

Bieneke Bron, PhD candidate* at University of Wisconsin – Madison, working with the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.

 The use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

* You are PhD student when you start your PhD, after completing your classwork and your qualifying exams (e.g. general knowledge exam, defense of your research proposal) you become a PhD candidate, a dissertator, and you have ABD-status (all but dissertation).

Photo credit: Sarah Dreitlein

My research is part of the AquaVir Project: Water as an aquatic viral vector for emerging infectious diseases. My work is focused in Central Asia, with main study area the Mongolian Gobi Desert. Gobi desert is known as a very hostile environment for living organisms. The climate is strongly continental with long cold winters (down to -40°C) and short hot summers (up to +40°C). Still, Mongolia's fauna is very rich and underestimated.  The main aspect of my project is that in places like the Gobi Desert, with seasonally limited water sources, water holes could be acting as a viral vector. This limitation of water will force mixed species to gather at the same water points, having as result aggregation of hosts and pathogens in a limited place. Will that be beneficial for the pathogens and how does it affects the transmission and evolution of pathogens, is a question we want to answer.

Until now, I had two expeditions in the Gobi Desert. First into the Southeast, or Dzungarian Gobi, a place full of animals, but with high habitat destruction, since one of the biggest open pit and underground mine of Mongolia is located there. We got to immobilize, collar and sample Khulans (Mongolian Wild Asses) for our research purposes, as well as to sample different waterholes, where various wild and domestic animals, gather to drink water.  My next trip was to the west, in Great Gobi B protected area. There I got to live-capture and sample numerous species of Mongolian rodents. Both trips were full of adventure, new experiences, and with a big dose of Mongolian culture and hospitality.

But practical veterinary skills will give no answers without some good lab work. When back in base, the daily challenge is to recognize and identify the factors in the smaller, but not less important scale! An interdisciplinary approach is likewise wanted. And through both actions comes development, results, and new ideas. There couldn't be any better way to draw a composite picture and be part of something so important. I am very excited to be part of it and I do hope to contribute as much as I can in this milestone of efforts.

Sanatana Soilemetzidou
Department of Wildlife Diseases
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)

Most of my time so far has been spent at IoZ where I am part of the Wildlife Epidemiology Theme. Here I get to work with and learn from several world leading veterinarians in the field of free-living wildlife health. The Wildlife Epidemiology Theme runs three main projects: 1) The Garden Wildlife Health project monitors the health of, and identifies disease threats to, British amphibians, reptiles, birds and hedgehogs. 2) The UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme coordinates the investigation of all cetaceans, marine turtles and basking sharks that strand around the UK coastline. 3) The Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance (DRAHS) for Interventions develops methods to analyse the risk of disease to interventions, such as reintroductions, undertaken for conservation purposes.

I assist with performing pathological investigations for all of three projects and lately I helped conduct health examinations of hazel dormice and pool frogs that are being reintroduced into the United Kingdom as part of the DRAHS project.

At the RVC I am a member of the Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group. I am receiving training in epidemiological concepts and their application to understanding and managing disease in wildlife populations. Emphasis is placed on learning through doing which includes designing appropriate studies as well as collecting, analysing and interpreting data.

Since June 2016, I have been conducting a research project detecting and characterizing herpesvirus in free-living Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Great Britain. The project utilised samples collected by the Garden Wildlife Health team and has now developed into a great study including a lot of different aspects of wildlife disease investigation and a range of molecular diagnostic techniques. I am very excited that I get to undertake research doing my residency and the plan is to publish the findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

For several years I thought I would end up doing a zoological medicine residency in North America. The American College of Zoological Medicine was established in 1983; however it was not until 2009 that the Wildlife Population Health subspecialty was founded under the European College of Zoological Medicine. There are currently six Wildlife Population Health residency programs in Europe and I find myself extremely lucky to be able to undertake a residency in this unique area of zoological medicine. I see it as a huge advantage to have received three years of superb postgraduate training within this field prior to starting a permanent position.

 A photo from my first year as a resident, reintroducing pool frog
(Pelophylax lessonae) tadpoles. This program is managed by DRAHS.

Helle Bernstorf Hydeskov
MSc, DVM, MRCVS
ECZM Resident in Wildlife Population Health
Institute of Zoology
Zoological Society of London
Regent’s Park
London
NW1 4RY
United Kingdom
Email: helle.hydeskov@ioz.ac.uk

As the name suggests, the caseload during the three years is varied and covers all fields of zoological medicine. The majority of the first year is dedicated to the exotic pet service at the University of Zurich's Small Animal Teaching Hospital. This is a great chance to sharpen one's avian, reptile and small mammal skills. The time spent in the Clinic has made me much more comfortable with procedures I previously had little experience with such as endoscopy and orthopaedics. A pleasant contrast to UK exotic animal practice (where I previously worked), the patients are much more varied than just rabbits and budgies, sometimes including primates, marsupials or even large chelonians!

As time moves on, so does involvement in the veterinary care of the collection of Zurich Zoo. This has so far been the highlight of my residency experience. I much appreciate how my supervisors always put effort into planning ahead so that myself or my fellow resident, Monika Bochmann, are involved in the large animal procedures that we will hopefully carry out in our own right as zoo professionals in the future. Zurich Zoo is constantly rebuilding and expanding and I am looking forward to additions to the collection including the new Aquarium, Australian Section and African Savannah.

Lastly, the residency does include a smaller yet rewarding involvement in wildlife medicine. Urban wildlife, such as birds of prey and songbirds are commonly presented and the Clinic cooperates well with a wealth of wildlife rehabilitators. Furthermore, being the service providers for the Langenberg Wildlife Park, gives residents the opportunity to get involved in herd management and the medicine of large European wildlife.

The Clinic is large and there are always two residents and two zoological medicine specialists on the team. Professor Jean-Michel Hatt is my primary supervisor and Sandra Wenger is the Associate Professor who organises much of our book and journal clubs. We are very lucky to also have professor Marcus Clauss, who is dedicated to research and assists us with our projects and publications. The nursing support and organisation really gives residents the time to focus on clinical cases and is something I am going to miss in the future! Finally, being based at a University Faculty means ample support from specialists across the board, from Pathology to Imaging.

Looking back I realise how lucky I am to have received a chance at specialising in zoological medicine and I am very much looking forward to my remaining time in Zurich!

Stamos Tahas

This three year position at ZSL and the RVC is one of only six ECZM ZHM residency programmes in the world, the aims of which are to allow the resident to acquire an in-depth knowledge of zoo health management and prepare them for examination to become a specialist in this discipline. On a day to day basis, I spend most of my time working with the clinical veterinary team at ZSL London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. This involves treating species as diverse as spiders, seahorses, frogs, flamingos, lizards and lions! I am lucky to be jointly supervised by two ECZM Diplomates, Edmund Flach (ECZM Diplomate in Zoo Health Management) at ZSL and Joanna Hedley (ECZM Diplomate in Herpetology) at the RVC. I am also supported with clinical cases by ZSL’s Head of Veterinary Services, Nic Masters, and Veterinary Officers Tai Strike and Fieke Molenaar. Through the ECZM, I attend regular tutorials via Skype to discuss topics of interest with other ECZM ZHM residents and Diplomates in this speciality. The RVC has also provided me with the chance to partake in a Masters programme (MVetMed) through which I have so far taken modules in wild animal health and large animal medicine. This has taken me on some fantastic field trips and introduced me to inspiring conservationists from around the world.

A highlight of the residency so far has been the opportunity to expand my interests in the fields of conservation and herpetology. I am fascinated by amphibians with their unique and diverse anatomical, physiological and ecological specialisations but unfortunately amphibian populations are in decline globally, making them a high priority for conservation efforts. Amphibian conservation research I have taken part in so far includes comparing the wild and captive diets and developing a body condition score system for the Critically Endangered mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax), as well as developing anaesthetic protocols for terrestrial caecilians. The former study took me on a five week fieldwork trip to the stunning Caribbean island of Montserrat. During this time I had the opportunity to learn from experienced fieldworkers from the Department of Environment, Government of Montserrat, while trekking deep into the forest each night to collect invertebrates for the study. While on the island, I also spent time helping to track down the last two known surviving wild mountain chickens on Montserrat. Finding them after many hours of nightly searches was a moment I will never forget and as a result we were able to prepare for the female to be translocated to the male’s territory to provide them with the opportunity to breed.

As well as opening up doors to pursue my research interests, the residency has provided me with the chance to teach veterinary students on clinical rotation at the zoo. I find my tutorials with the students are a two-way learning process: reviewing articles for journal club allows the students to learn about critical analysis of the scientific literature and the importance of evidence-based medicine, while it helps me start to work my way through the reading list for the ECZM exams!

With only one year of three almost completed, I am excited to see how many more exciting opportunities the ZSL/RVC residency programme will bring. I just hope it doesn’t fly by too quickly as I am enjoying it so much! 

Stephanie Jayson

MA Vet MB MRCVS
ECZM Resident in Zoo Health Management
Veterinary Department
ZSL – London Zoo
Regent’s Park
London
NW1 4RY
Email: stephanie.jayson@zsl.org 

Always passionate about wildlife and conservation, I studied Conservation Medicine at the Veterinary University of Vienna. Then my passion drove me to France, where I worked in a mixed veterinary clinic including some work at Thoiry Zoo, for three years. For the last two years I worked as a full time zoo vet. Zoo veterinary work is fascinating, particularly regarding the widely varied species, diseases, management and nutritional issues that you can encounter. I have quickly realized that the more you work, see and learn, the more you understand how little you know. That is why I applied for the residency position, to get the most knowledge possible in a field which is expanding so rapidly.

The Copenhagen Zoo has a varied collection of 240 species. Daily work consists of clinical examinations (both clinical and preventative) which often require anesthesia. Pathological exams are performed in-house and I’m particularly looking forward to gaining new insights as I am trained in histopathology, which is something I have not done much of before. There are already lots of opportunities to be involved with research, both at the Copenhagen Zoo and with collaborating institutions.

My learning curve has been steep right from the beginning, but the veterinary team has helped me a lot to settle into the new environment. Alongside my zoo medicine and pathology training, I am also learning Danish. Despite being a lot of extra work in addition to the residency, it will be invaluable in helping me to communicate with my new colleagues. I am very lucky to have Kathryn Perrin by my side, helping me with the new tasks and explaining how the zoo and the veterinary department function. Kathryn is the “old” resident who will finish her residency in a few months. Her next challenge is to prepare for the ECZM and ACZM board exams, to gain “Diplomate-status” and therefore become a recognized specialist. I feel fortunate to have this help, as previous ECZM residents in this, and other programs, have not had a senior resident to guide them.

All in all I am very much looking forward to the rest of my time as a resident at Copenhagen Zoo, it will be a very exciting time for sure.

Eva Maria Greunz

Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark is a city zoo with approximately 3430 animals across 240 species. Day-to-day work is a mixture of preventative health tasks such as health and quarantine examinations, clinical cases and pathology (gross and histopathological). We have a strong research department and I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in several projects including cardiology and pathology in ibis species and anaesthesia of impala, bearded dragons and finches. My main residency project has centred on haemostasis in the Asian elephant, which will hopefully have applications for managing calves affected by Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses. The projects have been greatly helped by collaborations with the University of Copenhagen as well as zoos and pathology services in Europe and North America.

Since starting the residency almost 3 years ago, it has been encouraging to see the initiation of other programs in Germany (Wuppertal; Sam Frei) and the UK (London; Steph Jayson, Edinburgh; Adam Naylor, Chester; TBD). It’s still a small world and, together with the ACZM residents from Zurich (Monika Bochmann and Stamos Tahas) and John Flanders who just finished the ACZM/ECZM residency at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, USA), we have been meeting on skype every 2-4 weeks. These sessions are guided by an existing diplomat in order to help us prepare for the board exams, and also serve to introduce new residents to their peers. It’s been interesting to ‘compare and contrast’ between the different programs, and only goes to show how varied and vast the field of zoological medicine really is.

I can whole-heartedly recommend the residency pathway to anyone who is fortunate enough to have the opportunity. I believe the ECZM (ZHM) speciality has a bright future in Europe, and is only going to strengthen as the de facto period ends in 2017, and more programs are set up. Copenhagen zoo recently welcomed our second resident, Eva Maria Greunz. I am sure she is going to gain as much from the program as I have. The residency has been an incredibly steep learning curve which has opened the door into the endlessly fascinating, sometimes frustrating but never boring, world of zoo medicine! 

Kathryn Perrin

One of the biggest draws for me to the RZSS course was the incredible diversity of species housed between the Society’s two parks; RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park. Edinburgh Zoo houses a wide collection of African, Asian, South American, and Australian species, including the UK’s only giant pandas and koalas. Meanwhile, the Highland Wildlife Park focuses on cold adapted species including polar bear, Siberian tiger, and a range of tundra hoofstock. From a veterinary perspective this creates an extremely exciting daily caseload; from dental root canal treatment on a polar bear to nail trims on an Indian rhinoceros, no day is ever the same.

In addition to the animals housed at the parks, the RZSS is also involved in a number of free-ranging wildlife conservation projects in over 20 countries around the world. During my residency I was lucky to be able to assist with several, including the health screening of beavers as part of the trial reintroduction of the species to Scotland. This adds a fascinating wildlife and conservation angle to the zoo veterinarian’s role.

I have been very fortunate to have two ECZM diplomats to mentor me during my residency. Simon Girling, the Head of Veterinary Services and current President of the European College of Zoological Medicine, and Romain Pizzi. Both Simon and Romain have a wealth of knowledge and it has been fantastic to work alongside such experienced colleagues. In addition, close links with the pathology department at Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has enabled me to learn crucial skills in pathology and histopathology.

Looking to the future, I have no doubt that my time as a resident has taught me a huge amount and has given me the opportunity to work with some amazing species. I hope this will prepare me well for my final examinations! Additionally, I have also been able to develop knowledge and skills in my own particular areas of interest, including advanced reproductive techniques in endangered species (such as semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination). It is so exciting to see more residency courses open up across Europe, allowing keen veterinarians to advance in this fantastic field.

Anaesthesia monitoring during a health examination of Yang Guang, the giant panda

Adam Naylor 

I have always been fascinated by wildlife. As a child, my house was a menagerie of wild animals that needed care. So when I was done with my military service, and had spent some time travelling, it seemed natural to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

I graduated from the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Brno, Czech Republic in August 2011.

My wife, also a vet, is from Norway. In 2011, we moved to her hometown, Hauge i Dalane, near the southern tip of Norway. It is part of a small township of about 3,300 people, about a 1.5-hour drive south of the port of Stavanger.

In Hauge, I opened a horse and small animal clinic. However, I quickly realized that there was also a need for a facility to treat wildlife, so I founded the Norwegian Wildlife Hospital in 2013, and have so far treated about 150 wild animals and birds.

Equipment and funding

There is no regular public funding for such a clinic. The hospital, which a nonprofit organization, has received small grants from foundations, limited donations from supporters, and a modest, per animal fee from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, which is also responsible for wildlife health. That fee is not enough to cover the cost of treatment, but is a good start. Other veterinary clinics support the effort by donating surplus equipment, including an analog x-ray machine.

The hospital is currently equipped with that x-ray machine, an examination room, lab (hematology and biochemistry of mammals and avian species), and a surgery room with a sevoflurane anesthesia machine.

We treat wildlife at the clinic and at a separate property in another part of the village. We can nurse and rehabilitate 15-20 animals at a time in indoor and outdoor cages.

Patient overview

Most of our patients are birds, including waders, ducks and swans, corvids, sea birds, passerines and birds of prey.

We have full avian orthopedics set for birds of prey and other types. I’m happy to report that some of our avian patients are flying again following treatment of wing fractures. I took an orthopedics course at the first congress for exotic and wild animals in Germany in 2013 that was taught by Dr. Patrick Redig. He is a professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and founded the respected Raptor Center there.

Our tiny hospital has also treated roe deers, hedgehogs, weasels, squirrels and minks. We hope to eventually build the capacity to treat badgers, foxes, lynx and possibly even wolves.

Injuries and ailments

We treat a variety of ailments and injuries. Common ones include intoxications, especially heavy metals in swans and eagles; eye infections and other infections; fractures and head trauma, often from collisions; and orphaned or ailing young animals. It is interesting to note that most of the sea birds we have rescued on land have turned out to have viral diseases.

Transport

Norway is nearly as long as all of Continental Europe, making transportation of wildlife a challenge. We have volunteers willing to form transport relays to bring wildlife to the hospital. The SAS airline also transports wildlife up to lynx/eagle in size to the nearest airport for a fee. Due to limited resources, we can only pay to transport special animals.

Challenges

The effort has captured the imagination of many Norwegians. It has been featured in local, regional and national news media, including as a segment on one of Norway’s most popular TV programs, ‘Norge Rundt’ (Around Norway) by the national public broadcaster NRK.

However, we have a long way to go. The hospital is still underfunded, meaning I have to make up the difference out of my own pocket each year. We have 2,500 followers on Facebook, but few make donations. With some exceptions, such as a local car dealership, businesses or government agencies have not made significant contributions.

Traditionally, the Norwegian approach to sick or injured wildlife has been euthanasia on the spot. We spread the word that many of these animals can be saved instead. We have reached out to police and wildlife agencies in our region asking them to alert us to wildlife in need. I am pleased to say that awareness in steadily increasing among such officials.

Another challenge is that many of our followers think we are a public institution that is obligated to treat all wildlife, and simply don’t understand that our resources and financing are so limited that we can only transport and treat relatively rare animals. Others have the idea that the hospital is fully funded, for example, by the government, which sadly is not the case.

The Future

We need to have the clinic and the rehabilitation center in the same place, instead of separate locations as now, if the hospital is to be viable and sustainable. We will eventually need a larger staff, more space, more and larger cages and containment areas and more modern and extensive equipment.

We need to get regular funding in place, since I cannot afford to donate my time and money to the project indefinitely. We need a broader network of volunteers, both here in Hauge and throughout the country.

Although progress is slow, the fact that there is progress is encouraging. I am optimistic and excited about the future.

I would be delighted to hear from my fellow wildlife vets with questions, suggestions or helpful contacts.

Aviv Livnat

Veterinarian, Norwegian Wildlife Hospital
wwww.viltsykehuset.no
Facebook: Norwegian Wildlife Hospital
+47 40319426
info@viltsykehuset.no

The Residency program is scheduled to run for 3 years which, looking at the wealth of knowledge I still have to acquire, is rather short. I’m glad that I started my veterinary career in Zurich, so I was aware of how much work and dedication it will take to successfully complete this program. But being the only ECZM (ZHM) resident in Germany isn’t easy and I’m happy that we still have a weekly book club with residents in Zurich and Copenhagen. Kathryn Perrin (resident at Copenhagen Zoo) did a terrific job in organising “mentored sessions”, which take place about once a month using Skype and bring together residents from Copenhagen, Zurich, Edinburgh, London, Chicago and Wuppertal. The residency supervisors take turns discussing specific topics related to zoo and wild animal medicine with us.

One of the great things about working in a zoo is that you get to work with so many people with all kind of specialisations, which gives you a lot of insight into other areas of veterinary and even human medicine. Let’s face it, it is pretty cool when a human medicine cardiology professor explains a heart ultrasound of a gorilla to you.

Another advantage of this residency is the collaboration with the Institute of Pathology at the TiHo Hannover. Having spent six months there doing routine diagnostics I’ve already learnt a lot, especially regarding histopathology. Most zoos in the vicinity cooperate with this pathology institute which not only gave me the opportunity to see a wide range of different cases in these six months, but also to examine some of the more unique species like a rhino and a giraffe. I’m currently being supervised in Hannover by Peter Wohlsein who is very experienced with zoo animal pathology. As we’re doing all the necropsies ourselves at Wuppertal, I get to do the histopathology together with Peter at the TiHo. This way I will not only gain experience with histopathology, but I also get to see our cases from beginning to end.

As in all residencies, research is also a requirement of the ECZM and I’m already involved in a few research projects and I’m very thankful for all the support I get from my supervisors.

These first 9 months have been an amazing experience and I’m very much looking forward to the rest of my residency in Wuppertal.

Samuel Frei

Fig: Anaesthesia monitoring during endoscopic castration of a lion.