Vets Celebrate Wild Side On World Vet Day

Below is a release from the New Zealand Veterinary Association. We also have releases on specic vets throughout the country and contact details for others who are available for interview. If you'd like to talk to a wildlife vet in your area, please let me know and we'll put you in touch with a NZVA member near you. I also attach low-res images of vets carrying out wildlife work, if you'd like high-res versions and captions, please let me know. 

Thanks

Bridget

23 April 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Vets Celebrate Wild Side On World Vet Day

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is using World Veterinary Day to expose their wild side.

“The World Veterinary Association has designated this Saturday as World Veterinary Day to show the huge variety of work our profession is involved in,” says NZVA chief executive, Julie Hood.

“When people think of veterinarians, they often picture them working in clinics for domestic animals or on farms. In actual fact, they can be found in Government departments, research and teaching institutions and the pharmaceutical industry,” says Julie.

New Zealand veterinarians are involved in a vast range of activities from the traditional areas of animal health and welfare, to biosecurity, food safety, conservation and disaster management.

They also play a crucial role in working with wild animals and birds, both free-living and in zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums. Their work assists the conservation of rare and endangered species, and monitors the health and viability of threatened populations.

“The threats to our environment - from land use changes, predators, climate change, pollution and other factors – can have a detrimental impact on wild animals, their food and their habitat.

“Many of our members are working to counter these changes. Their work includes breeding projects, animal rehabilitation, game capture and relocation, disease investigation, control and research.”

Julie says while most veterinarians in clinical practice deal with the odd wildlife case brought into their clinic, others work almost exclusively with wildlife - which can be very challenging.

“Fortunately veterinary degrees provide very broad-based training, equipping the profession with a level of expertise that is often unrecognised.

“A human doctor will generally know what they’re dealing with when they examine a patient. Their patients all the have same biology and are usually able to tell them what’s wrong. Compare that to a veterinarian, whose typical daily activities could range from anaesthetising a tiger to vaccinating kakapo.”

Julie says World Veterinary Day is the perfect opportunity to highlight the important and varied work NZVA members are undertaking to protect the wildlife in the New Zealand natural environment and in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as the potential impact on other animals and humans.  

ENDS…/

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