ZSL 200 logo

ZSL was founded on the 29th April 1826. It's our Birthday!

Enter the celebrations
Continue to ZSL.org

Thank you for being part of our story

Donate
Postgraduate study

MSc in Wild Animal Health

Apply for the courseExplore all study opportunities

Since its inception in 1994 this world-class specialist Masters course has produced hundreds of graduates, originating from dozens of countries.

It provides qualified veterinarians with a critical understanding of the management of wild animals and the epidemiology, treatment and control of wildlife disease. The course provides practical exposure to wild species in a captive setting and an understanding of their health, welfare and conservation. This masters also provides training in research methods relevant to the study of wildlife in both captive and wild settings.

The Masters in Wild Animal Health is taught jointly by the Royal Veterinary College and the Zoological Society of London. Aimed at qualified veterinarians, the course will equip you with an in-depth knowledge of the management of wild animals and epidemiology, treatment and control of diseases. You will benefit from working and studying alongside biology/zoology graduates taking the MSc in Wild Animal Biology as well as learning from internationally renowned experts in their field. 

MSc Wild Animal Health: Course content

This specialist Masters course is completed over one-year full-time study, commencing in the Autumn. The course is delivered through two terms of lectures, seminars, tutorials and problem-based learning, with modular examinations, followed by a research project over the summer months (May-August), prior to final assessment.  Teaching covers taxa e.g. mammals, reptiles, birds and the disciplines that influence these taxa, such as epidemiology, infectious diseases, conservation and management. The bulk of teaching takes place at The Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, with time also spent at Whipsnade Zoo and Royal Veterinary College, Camden and Hawkshead Campuses. Both Certificate and Diploma levels of study are available, there are no part-time or distance-learning options available.

The course provides participants with:

  • A critical awareness of current problems in wildlife diseases with implications for wildlife conservation and welfare
  • A new insight into interventions for the health management of captive and free-living wild animals
  • A systematic understanding of the biological principles underpinning wild animal conservation and management, and the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of wildlife disease
  • Basic competence in veterinary techniques and preventative medicine for wild animals
  • A conceptual and practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create knowledge in the field of wild animal health
  • A comprehensive understanding of scientific skills, including a critical review of the scientific literature, and design and analysis of laboratory or field studies
An overview of the course structure, explaining what modules are covered in each term.
For a complete list of programme-level intended Learning Outcomes and modules within the course, see our Programme Specifications
The Course in Photos
MSc WAH students and vet Tai Strike with Galapagos tortoise
MSc WAH students spend two weeks with the Wildlife Health Services team at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo during their Practical Studies module
ZSL staff member giving a talk to MSc students
Over 50 ZSL staff members are involved with the MSc courses, including sessions delivered by our animal teams, giving behind the scenes tours and providing students with an understanding of ex situ management practices.
A deer stands looking at a group of students.
Students learn both in a traditional lecture setting and in practical sessions, taking place at ZSL's conservation zoos and off-site locations.
Students conducting a post mortem examination on a hedgehog
Students learn directly from our expert staff in pathological investigations, including our Garden Wildlife Health and Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme.
Student presenting
The MSc Student Conference takes place during the final week of the course and is an opportunity for students to present on their research projects
Entry Requirements

We invite applications from candidates with a first or second class honours degree from a recognised veterinary school and at least one year of postgraduate veterinary experience.

We are keen to see evidence of relevant work experience in a zoo, wildlife rehabilitation centre or wildlife hospital.

Graduates of the MSc Wild Animal Health are, unfortunately, not eligible to apply for either of the European College of Zoological Medicine residencies offered by ZSL/RVC (Zoo Health Management or Wildlife Population Health).  This position is the result of the way these positions are funded and UK government tax rules.

This course will give you training in why health matters in wild populations, how we can monitor it and how we can influence it.  If your interests are solely clinical then check out the hands on Zoo Health Management and Wildlife Populations Health residencies.

English Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of proficiency in spoken and written English, including scientific usage and comprehension. You will be required to achieve an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS with a minimum of 6.5.

Visit Entry Requirements

Publications: 1 in 5 students publish their research

Project related - Peer-reviewed

  1. Hauw, C., Marker, L., Yabe, J., Díez-León, M., McCann, N., Iiputa, G., Jago, M., Mukete-Hilundutah, E., Nzehengwa, T., Banda, N., Nakayama, S.M.M, Ishizuka, M., Katjavivi, U., Ehrlich, J., Humphries, M., Schmidt-Küntzel, A. Lead Bullet Burden: Widespread Lead Exposure in Wild Carnivores and Unseen Consequences of Feeding Lead-Shot Meat to Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). J Wildl Dis 1 October 2025; 61 (4): 1038–1049. doi: https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-24-00219
  2. Sando, A., Stidworthy, M.F., Rich, A.F., Wrigglesworth, E., Blake, D.P., Strike, T., Spiro, S. "Angiostrongylus Vasorum In Captive Meerkats (Suricata Suricatta) In The United Kingdom: Significance, Histopathology, And Association With Pulmonary Arterial Atherosclerosis," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 56(4), 756-767, (5 November 2025) https://doi.org/10.1638/2024-0102
  3. Lakshminarayana, S.B., Guthrie, A., Blake, D.P., Harley, J., MacKintosh, A., Lait, P.J.P., Bacon, A., Milnes, E.L. 2024. Detection of babesia cf. Odocoilei, babesia capreoli, and anaplasma phagocytophilum in cervids of the scottish highlands, United Kingdom. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 55(3):750-764.  DOI: 10.1638/2023-0140
  4. Van de Weyer Y, Howard MR, Stidworthy MF, Barbon AR, Chantrey J, Tahas SA, Wrigglesworth E, Rowden LJ, Guthrie A, Spiro S. Histopathological characterization and grading of chronic enterocolitis in Sulawesi crested macaques (Macaca nigra). Journal of Comparative Pathology. 2024 Jul 1;212:6-15.  DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.05.002
  5. Carrera-Faja, Laura, Chris Yesson, Bryony A. Jones, Camilla T. O. Benfield, and Richard A. Kock. 2023. "An Integrated Ecological Niche Modelling Framework for Risk Mapping of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus Exposure in African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem" Pathogens 12, no. 12: 1423. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12121423
  6. Cock, H. R, Sprio, S., Stidworthy, M. F., Denk, D., Guthrie, A. 2023 Retrospective study of morbidity and mortality of captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) held within United Kingdom zoological institutions betwee 2000 and 2020. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medecine 54(3): 498-510 https://doi.org/10.1638/2022-0026 
  7. Langguth, A., Spiro, S., Strike, T., Berry, K., Molenaar, F. M., 2023. Renal adenocarcinoma found in a clinically lame marbled duck (Marmaronetta angustirostris). Vet Record Case Reports. https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.636
  8. Sentenac, H., Valenzuela-Sánchez, A., Haddow-Brown, N., Delgado, S., Azat, C., Cunningham, A.A., 2023 Accounting for bias in prevalence estimation: The case of a globally emerging pathogen.  Journal of Applied Ecology 60: 2007-2017  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14457
  9. Van de Weyer Y, Rowden LJ, Guthrie A, Tahas SA. RECTAL PROLAPSE IN THE SULAWESI CRESTED BLACK MACAQUE (MACACA NIGRA): MORBIDITY, MORTALITY, AND RISK FACTORS. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 2023 Jan;53(4):722-32.      DOI: 10.1638/2021-0143
  10. Duque-Correa, M., Biddle, R, Patterson, S., Masters, N. 2022. Retrospective study of captive jaguar Panthera onca mortality in the European breeding population from 1998 to 2018. Journal of Zoo and Aqaurium Research 10, 66–73.  https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v10i2.595
  11. Martinez, S.G., Spiro, S., Guthrie, A., Barbon, A.R., Lopez, J., Stidworthy, M.F., Denk, D., Jenkins, H., Strike, T. 2022. Cholelithiasis in captive mountain chicken frogs (Leptodactylus fallax): diagnostic imaging and histopathological features. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 53(1), 19-30.  DOI: 10.1638/2020-0229
  12. Van de Weyer, Y., Rowden, L. Guthrie, A., Tahas, S. 2022. Rectal prolapse in the Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra): morbidity, mortality, and risk factors. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 53(4): 722 – 732  American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)
  13. Ceccolini, M.E., Hedley, J., Chang, Y., Guthrie, A. 2021. A Retrospective Study of Bite Wound Management in Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur Catta) Housed Within Five British Zoos. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 52(4) : 1263 – 1269.   DOI: 10.1638/2020-0160
  14. Common, S., Yun, Y,, Silva-Fletcher, A., Thiaram, C., Janyamethakul, T., Khammesri, S., Molenar, F. 2021. Developing a non-invasive method of detecting elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infections using faecal samples. Veterinary Record DOI: 10.1002/vetr.833
  15. Mota, Stéphanie M., Brandão, João, and Guthrie, Amanda. 2021. Comparison Of Blood Symmetric Dimethylarginine And Creatinine As Endogenous Markers Of Kidney Function In Captive Tigers (Panthera Tigris). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 52 (2): 628-637 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0032
  16. Pereira, M., Stidworthy, M. F., Denk, D., Spiro, S., Guthrie, A., & Patterson, S. 2021. A Retrospective Study Of Morbidity And Mortality Identified At Postmortem Examination Of Captive Langurs (Trachypithecus Spp) From Six United Kingdom Zoological Institutions: A 19-YEAR REVIEW. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 52(4), 1123-1134. DOI: 10.1638/2021-0022
  17. Jaffe, J., Jourdan, B., Cranfield, M.R., Gilardia, K., Zimmerman, D. 2020. Anesthesia with medetomindine-ketamine and dexmedetomidine-ketamine in mountain gorillas (Gorilla bereingei beringei). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 51(3): 507-513 DOI: 10.1638/2018-0212
  18. Reed, K., Macgregor S.K., Stidworthy, M.F., Denk, D., Guthrie, A. 2020. The isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity of aspergillus fumigatus from frozen respiratory tissues of penguins from zoological collections in the United Kingdom. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 51(3) : 591-597 https://doi.org/10.1638/2019-0160
  19. Ferreira, B., Girling, S., Guthrie, A., Milnes, E., Stidworthy, M.F., Bacon, A. "MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY REVIEW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM EX SITU POPULATION OF EUROPEAN WILDCATS (FELIS SILVESTRIS) BETWEEN 2000 AND 2021," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 55(2), 369-380. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0086 
  20. Calatayud, O, Esperón, F, Velarde, R, et al. Genetic characterization of Carnivore Parvoviruses in Spanish wildlife reveals domestic dog and cat‐related sequences. Transbound Emerg Dis. 2019; 00: 1-9.  https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13378 
  21. Hoffmann C, Merkel K, Sanchse A, Rodriguez P, Leendertz F H, Calvignac-Spencer Sebastien, 2018. Blow flies as Urban Wildlife Sensors. Molecular Ecology Resources. 18: 3, https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.12754
  22. K.K. Sumanasekera, K. Seilern-Moy, S.K. John, S.K. Macgregor, H. Free, V. Wilkinson, A.A. Cunningham, B. Lawson.  2018. Occurrence of Pigeon Circovirus Infections in Wild Columbiformes in Great Britain. In: proceedings of the International Conference of the Wilidlife Disease Association Australasia, Bali, Indonesia, 2018. P: 19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37312-3
  23. Zimmerman, J., Sainsbury, A.W., Williams, D.L. 2018. Is it advisable to rehabilitate and release owls with monocular vision? International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology 3 (1)  DOI:10.15406/ijawb.2017.03.00044
  24. Hassell, J.M., Zimmerman, D., Cranfield, M R., Gilardi, K., Mudakikwa, A., Ramer, J., Nyirakaragire, E., Lowenstine, L J. 2017. Morbidity and mortality in infant mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei): A 46-year retrospective review. American Journal of Primatology https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.22686
  25. Chaber A-L, Cunningham A 2016.  Public health risks from illegally imported African bushmeat and smoked fish.  Ecohealth 13: 135-136  DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1065-9
  26. Dalziel, A.E, Sainsbury A.W, McInnes, K, Jakob-Hoff, R, Ewen, J 2016. A Comparison of Disease Risk Analysis Tools for Conservation Translocations. EcoHealth DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1161-5
  27. Hubel, T.Y., Shotton, J., Wilshin, S.D., Horgan, J., Klein, R., McKenna, R. and Wilson, A.M., 2016.  Cheetah reunion – the challenge of finding your friends again, PLOS ONE, 11: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166864
  28. Hawkins E, Kock R, McKeever D, Gakuya F, Musyoki C, Chege S. M, Mutinda M, Karjuki E, Davidson Z, Low B, Skilton R. A, Njahira M. N, Wamalwa M, Maina Em, 2015. Prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballias well as the identification of associated ticks in sympatric Grevy’s zebras (Equus grevyi) and donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) in Northern Kenya. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 51: 137-147 https://doi.org/10.7589/2013-11-316 
  29. Leopardi, S., Damer, B., Puechmaille, S. 2015. White-Nose Syndrome fungus introduced from Europe to North America. Current Biology 25(6): R217-219. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2015.01.047
  30. Barratclough A.,  Jepson P.D., Hamilton P.K., Miller C.A., Wilson K., Moore M.J. 2014. How much does a swimming, underweight, entangled right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) weigh? Calculating the weight at sea, to facilitate accurate dosing of sedatives to enable disentanglement. Marine Mammal Science https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12132
  31. Fleming M, Burn C. C, 2014. Behavioural Assessment of dental pain in captive Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus). Animal Welfare 23: 131-140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.23.2.131
  32. Horton, D, Lawson, B, Egbetade, A, Jeffries, C, Johnson, N, Cunningham, A.A, Fooks, A.R. 2013. Targeted surveillance for Usutu virus in British birds (2005-2011). Veterinary Record. DOI: 10.1136/vr.101275
  33. Kukielka E., Barasona J.A., Cowie C.E., Drewe J.A., Gortazar C., Cotarelo I., Vicente J. 2013. Spatial and temporal interactions between livestock and wildlife in South Central Spain assessed by camera traps. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 112: 213-221 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.08.008
  34. Mumby C, Bouts T, Sambrook L, Danika S, Rees E, Parry A, Rendle M, Masters N and Weller R 2013.  Validation of a new radiographic protocol for Asian elephant feet and description of their radiographic anatomy.  Veterinary Record 173: 318  https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.101696
  35. Hardman K, Dastjerdi A, Gurrala R, Routh A, Banks M, Steinbach F, Bouts T 2012. Detection of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus type 1 in asymptomatic elephants using TaqMan real-time PCR.  Veterinary Record 170: 205. DOI: 10.1136/vr.100270
  36. McInnes CJ, Coulter L, Dagleish MP, Deane D, Gilray J, Percival A, Willoughby K, Scantlebury M,  Marks M, Graham D, Everest DJ, McGoldrick M, Rochford J, McKay F, Sainsbury AW 2012.  The emergence of squirrelpox in Ireland.  Animal Conservation  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-1795.2012.00570.x
  37. Peel, A., Hartley, M. & Cunningham, A. 2012. Qualitative risk analysis of introducing Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis to the UK through the importation of live amphibians. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 98, 95–112.  DOI: 10.3354/dao02424
  38. Chaber, A-L., Allebone-Webb, S., Lignereux, Y., Cunningham, A. A. & Rowcliffe, J. M. 2010 The scale of illegal meat importation from Africa to Europe via Paris Conservation Letters DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-263X.2010.00121.x 
  39. González-Hernández M., Denoël M., Duffus A.J.L., Garner T.W.J. & Acevedo-Whitehouse K. 2010 Dermocystid infection and associated skin lesions in free-living palmate newts (Lissotriton helveticus) from southern France. Parasitology International 59: 344-350. doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2010.04.006
  40. Bouts T, Karunaratna D, Berry K, Dodds J, Gasthuys F, Routh A, Taylor P., 2011. Evaluation of medetomidine-alfaxalone and medetomidine-ketamine in semi-free ranging Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 42 (4):617-22.  DOI: 10.1638/2010-0246.1
  41. Loras, A.F., Hidalgo-Vila, J., Hermosilla, C., Garcia, G., Lopez, J., Duffus, A.L.J., Cunningham, A.A. and Roca, V. 2011 Preliminary health screening and possible pathogen determination in a Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) (Amphibia: Bufonidae) population. Journal of Natural History 45(1-2): 1-14.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2010.501528
  42. Martinez-Jimenez M, Graham D, Couper D, Benko M, Schoniger S, Gurnell J, Sainsbury AW 2011.  Epizootiology and pathological findings associated with a newly described adenovirus in the red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 47 (2): 442-454. https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-47.2.442 
  43. Tavernier P, Dewulf J, Roelandt S, Roels S. 2011. Wildtool, a flexible, first-line risk assessment system for wildlife-borne pathogens. European Journal of Wildlife Research 57:1065– 75.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-011-0520-3
  44. van Zijll Langhout, M., Reed, P., Fox, M., 2010. Validation of multiple diagnostic techniques to detect Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. in free-ranging western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and observations on the prevalence of these protozoan infections in two populations in Gabon. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 41(2): 210-7.   DOI: 10.1638/2009-0051R1.1
  45. Soto–Azat C., B.T. Clarke, M.C. Fisher, S.F. Walker, A.A. Cunningham 2009.  Novel non-invasive sampling methods for the detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis from archived amphibians.  Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 84: 163-166.  DOI: 10.3354/dao02029
  46. Soto-Azat C, Clarke B.T, Poynton J.C, Cunnigham A.A. 2009.  Widespread historical presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in African pipid frogs.  Diversity and Distributions 1-6.  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-4642.2009.00618.x
  47. Drewe JA, David Mwangi, Helen D. Donoghue, Ruth L. Cromie 2008.  PCR analysis of the presence and location of Mycobacterium avium in a constructed reed bed, with implications for avian tuberculosis control.  FEMS Microbiology Ecology DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2008.00618.x
  48. Kilgallon C, Flach E, Boardman W, Routh A, Strike T, Jackson B 2008.  Analysis of biochemical markers of bone metabolism in Asian elephants  (Elephas maximus).  Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 39: 527-536.  https://www.jstor.org/stable/48774291
  49. Lennox AR and Goodship AE. 2008. Polar bears the most evolutionary hibernators do not lose bone during hibernation. Comp Biochem Physiol Part A. Vol 149; 203-208.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.11.012
  50. Molenaar, F., Sainsbury, A.W., Waters, M., Amin, R. 2008.  Significant elevations of serum iron, transferrin saturation and GGT in captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis).  Veterinary Record 162: 716-721.  DOI:10.1136/vr.162.22.716
  51. Mudenda N, Sainsbury AW, Macgregor SK, Flach EJ, Owen RJ 2008.  Prevalence of Campylobacter spp in corncrakes Crex crex in a reintroduction programme in the UK.  Veterinary Record 163: 274-275.       DOI: 10.1136/vr.163.9.274
  52. Sainsbury AW, Deaville R, Lawson B, Cooley WA, Farelly SSJ, Stack MJ, Duff DP,  McInnes CJ, Gurnell J, Russell PH, Rushton SP, Pfeiffer DU, Nettleton P, Lurz PWW 2008.  Poxviral disease in red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris in the UK: spatial and temporal trends of an emerging threat.  Ecohealth 5 (3): 305-316.   DOI: 10.1007/s10393-008-0191-z
  53. Chuei, JY., Asa, C.S., Hall-Woods, M., Ballou, J., Traylor-Holzer, K., 2007. Restoration of reproductive potential after expiration or removal of melengestrol acetate contraceptive implants in Tigers Panthera tigris.  Zoo biology 26 (4): 275-288.  Zoo Biology | Zoology Journal | Wiley Online Library
  54. Garcia, G., Cunningham, A.A., Horton, D.L., Garner, T.W.J., Hyatt, A., Hengstberger, S., Lopez, J., Ogrodowczyk, A., Fenton, C. and Fa, J.E., 2007.  Mountain chickens Leptodactylus fallax and sympatric amphibians appear to be disease free on Montserrat. Oryx 41(3): 398-401.  DOI: 10.1017/S0030605307001012
  55. Pain, D.J., Carter, I., Sainsbury, A.W., Shore, R.F., Eden, P., Taggart, M. A., Konstantinos, S., Walker, L.A., Meharg, A.A.,  Raab, A., 2007.   Lead contamination in captive and free-living red kites Milvus milvus in England.  Science of the Total Environment 376: 116-127.  DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.01.062
  56. Masters N.J., Burns, F.M., Lewis, J., 2007.  Peri-anaesthetic and anaesthetic-related mortality risks in great apes (Hominidae) in Zoological Collections in the UK and Ireland.  Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 34: 431-442  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2995.2007.00345.x
  57. Oni, O., Sujit, K., Kasemsuwan, S., Sakpuaram, T., Pfeiffer, D.,  2007.  Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in domesticated Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in North and West Thailand, 2004.  Veterinary Record 160: 368-371.  DOI: 10.1136/vr.160.11.368
  58. Walker, S.F., Baldi Salas, M., Jenkins, D., Garner, T.W.J., Cunningham, A.A., Hyatt, A.D., Bosch, J., Fisher, M.C., 2007.  Environmental Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in a Temperate Climate. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 77 (2):105-12  DOI: 10.3354/dao01850
  59. Wenger, S., Boardman, W., Buss, P., Govender, D., Foggin, C., 2007.  The cardiopulmonary effects of etorphine, azaperone, detomidine and butorphanol in field-anaesthetised white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum).   Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 38(3): 380-387.  https://doi.org/10.1638/2015-0298.1
  60. Bull, J.C., Jepson, P.D., Ssuna, R.K., Deaville, R., Allchin, C.R., Law, R.J. and Fenton, A. 2006.  The relationship between polychlorinated biphenyls in blubber and levels of nematode infestations in harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena. Parasitology 132: 565-573.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S003118200500942X
  61. Steinmetz, HW., Kaumanns, W., Dix, I., Heistermann, M., Fox, M., Kaup, F.J., 2006.  Coat condition, housing condition and measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites – a non-invasive study about alopecia in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).      Journal of Medical Primatology 35: 3-11.  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0684.2005.00141.x
  62. Weber M., Garcia-Marmolejo, G., Reyna-Hurtado, R., 2006.  The Tragedy of The Commons: Wildlife Management Units in Southeastern Mexico. Wildlife Society Bulletin 34 (5): 1480-1488.  https://doi.org/10.2193/0091-7648(2006)34[1480:TTOTCW]2.0.CO;2Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
  63. Cunningham, A.A., Garner, T.W.J., Aguilar-Sanchez, V., Banks, B., Foster, J., Sainsbury, A.W., Perkins, M., Walker, S.F., Hyatt, A.D., Fisher, M.C., 2005.  Emergence of amphibian chytridiomycosis in Britain.  Veterinary Record 157: 386-387.  DOI: 10.1136/vr.157.13.386
  64. Flores-Miyamoto, K., Clauss, M., Ortmann, S., Sainsbury, A.W., 2005.  Nutrition of captive lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis): a study on ingesta passage, intake, digestibility, and a diet survey. Zoo Biology 24: 125-134.  DOI:10.1002/ZOO.20036
  65. Lloyd, C., Manvell, R., Drury, S., Sainsbury, A.W., 2005.  Seroprevalence and significance of paramyxovirus titres amongst a zoological collection of lizards. Veterinary Record 156: 578-580.  DOI: 10.1136/vr.156.18.578
  66. Tschopp, R., Frey, J., Zimmermann, L., Giacometti, M., 2005.  Outbreaks of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in alpine chamois and ibex in Switzerland between 2001 and 2003.  Veterinary Record 157: 13-18  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.157.1.13
  67. Garriga, R.M., Sainsbury, A.W., Goodship, A.E., 2004.  Bone assessment of free-living red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris).      Journal of Wildlife Disease 40: 515-522 DOI:10.7589/0090-3558-40.3.515
  68. Sainsbury, A.W., Kountouri, A., Du Boulay, G., Kertesz, P., 2004.  Oral disease in free-living red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in the United Kingdom. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 40: 185–196.  DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-40.2.185
  69. Soares, J.F., Chalker, V.J., Erles, K., Holtby, S., Waters, M., McArthur, S., 2004.  Prevalence of Mycoplasma agassizii and chelonian herpesvirus in captive tortoises (Testudo spp.) in the United Kingdom. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 35: 25-33.  https://doi.org/10.1638/02-092
  70. Weber, M., Gonzalez, S., 2003.  Latin American deer diversity and conservation: a review on status and distributions. Ecoscience 10: 443-454.      DOI:10.1080/11956860.2003.11682792
  71. German, A.C., Shankland, G.S., Edwards, J., Flach, E.J., 2002.  Development of an indirect ELISA for the detection of serum antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus in captive penguins. Veterinary Record 150: 513-518.      https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.150.16.513
  72. Wesche, P., Bond, R., 2002.  Isolation of Malassezia pachydermatis from the skin of captive rhinoceros. Veterinary Record 153: 404-405.  DOI: 10.1136/vr.153.13.404
  73. Clauss M., Lechner-Doll, M., 2001.  Differences in selective reticulo-ruminal particle retention as a key factor in ruminant diversification. Oecologia 129: 321-327. DOI: 10.1007/s004420100735
  74. Clauss, M., Lechner-Doll, M., Flach, E.J., Tack, C., Hatt, J-M. 2001. Comparative use of four different marker systems for the estimation of digestibility and low food intake in a group of captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis). Zoo Biology 20: 315-329. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.1031Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
  75. Parga, M.L., Pendl, H., Forbes, N.A., 2001.  The effect of transport on haematologic parameters in trained and untrained Harris’s Hawks and Peregrine Falcons. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 15: 162-169.  https://doi.org/10.1647/1082-6742(2001)015[0162:TEOTOH]2.0.CO;2
  76. Steinmetz, HW., 2000.  Dermatologische Untersuchung zur Alopezieproblematik bei Rhesusaffen (Macaca mulatta).  Dissertation, Doctor Medicinae Veterinariae, Hannover University. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242725170_DERMATOLOGISCHE_UNTERSUCHUNG_ZUR_ALOPEZIEPROBLEMATIK_BEI_RHESUSAFFEN_MACACA_MULATTA_IN_VERSCHIEDENEN_HALTUNGSFORMEN
  77. Karakosta, C.V., Jepson, P.D., Ohira, H., Moore, A., Bennet, P.M., Holt, W.V., 1999.  Testicular and ovarian development in the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena. Journal of Zoology, London 249: 111-121.   https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1999.tb01064.x
  78. Clauss, M., Deutsch, A., Lechner-Doll, M., Flach, E., Tack, C., 1998.  Passage rate of fluid and particle phase in captive giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis. Advances in Ethology 33: Supplements to Ethology: 98. Passage rate of fluid and particle phase in captive giraffe (giraffa camelopardalis)
  79. Hatt, J-M., Lechner-Doll, M., Mayes, B., 1998.  The use of dosed and herbage n-Alkanes as markers for the determination of digestive strategies of captive giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis. Zoo Biology 17: 295-309.  https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1998)17:4<295::AID-ZOO4>3.0.CO;2-4Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
  80. Williams, D.L., Hopcroft, T., Pantel, U., Brancker, W.M., 1998.  Levels of choroidal body carbonic anhydrase activity and glycogen in farmed halibut. The Veterinary Journal 156: 223-229. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-0233(98)80128-7
  81. Hatt, J-M., Mayes, R.W., Lechner-Doll, M., 1997.  Use of N-alkanes as markers for the study of digestive strategies in captive giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 56: 323A. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021859600066910

 

Project related - Non peer-reviewed

  1. Goñi Martinez, S., Spiro, S., Guthrie, A., Rodriguez Barbon, A., Lopez, J., Stidworthy, M.F., Denk, D., Jenkins, H., Strike, T. 2021. Cholelithiasis in captive mountain chicken frogs (Leptodactylus fallax): Diagnostic imaging and histopathological features. Presentation at the 2021 Joint AAZV/EAZWV Conference online. DOI: 10.1638/2020-0229
  2. Mota, S., Brandão, J., Guthrie, A., 2020. Comparison of blood symmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine as endogenous markers of kidney function in captive tigers (Panthera tigris). First Online Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference, 14 July, p.17 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0032
  3. Sumanasekera, K., Wickramarathne, A.M.S.M., Gunaratne, N.C., Perera, R.E.H., 2019. A retrospective study of a case series on seizure management in hand reared Indian Palm Squirrels on circovirus infections in wild Columbiformes in Great Britain. Proceedings of the 71st annual convention and scientific sessions of SLVA, June 28th, 2019. 71st SLVA Scientific Sessions - 2019
  4. Sumanasekera, K., Seilern-Moy, K., John, S.K., Macgregor, S.K., Free, H., Wilkinson, V., Cunningham, A.A., Lawson, B., 2018. Occurrence of Pigeon circovirus infections in wild Columbiformes in Great Britain. Proceedings of the International Conference of Wildlife Disease Association Australia, Bali Indonesia, 2018. Pp. 19  Conferences | Wildlife Disease Association Australasia
  5. Sharma, S., Masters, N. Barrows, M., Cracknell, J., Pizzi, R., 2016. Surgical Outcomes in Reptiles. Proceedings of the BVZS Conference, Pembroke College Oxford, United Kingdom, September 2016. Conferences & meetings - BVZS
  6. Barratclough, A 2015. How much does a swimming, underweight, entangled right whale weigh? Calculating the weight of right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) at sea, to facilitate accurate dosing of sedatives, to enable disentanglement from fishing gear in the Education and Management Session at IAAAM. download.php
  7. Castro Cesar de Sa R, Burn C, Lewis J, 2015. Reintroduction: Behavioural responses of captive bred Amur Leopard, Panthera pardus orientalis, to Amur tiger, Panthera tigris altaica, faeces. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Conference, Croatia.  2006.qxd
  8. Hassel J, Zimmerman D, Cranfield M. R, Gilardi K, Pfeiffer Dm Lowenstine L, 2015. Mortality and morbidity of infant mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei): a 46-year retrospective analysis. Proceedings of the 64th International Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association, Queensland, Australia.  64th Annual International Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association
  9. Leopardi S, 2015. Molecular investigation of European isolates of Pseudogymnoascus destructans using multilocus sequence typing (MLST): insight on the emergence of white nose disease in America. 3rd International One Health Congress, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  Speakers - IOHC 2015
  10. Mohr, F., Quintard, B., Betson, M., Bate, C., 2015.  Atoxoplasma Spp. in blue-crowned laughingthrush (Dryonastes courtoisi) adults and neonates. Proceedings of the annual European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) conference. European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians
  11. Colvile, K., Sainsbury. A. W. (2008) Assessing the disease risks of wolf (Canis lupus) re-introduction in Scotland. Proceedings of the Veterinary Association for Wildlife Management Symposium ‘Wildlife Diseases and Zoonotic Infections’, Royal Society of Medicine, 19th November 2008.
  12. Sainsbury, A. W., Molenaar, F. M., Colvile, K. (2008) Developing the methodology for disease risk analysis for translocations undertaken for biodiversity conservation. Proceedings of the 8th Conference of the European Wildlife Disease Association, Rovinj, Croatia, 2nd – 5th October 2008. EWDA 2008 Conference Rovinj Croatia
  13. Van Zijll Langhout, M. H., Reed, P. and Fox, M., 2008.  Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp. infections in two free-ranging western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) populations in Gabon, using 3 different diagnostic methods. Proceedings of the International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals 2008, Leipzig.
  14. Pizzi, R., Martinez-Pereira, Y., Flach, E., Routh, A., Middleton, V., Clark, B. & Boardman, W., 2007. Patent ductus arteriosus in lions (Panthera leo) – do we have a genetic problem in zoos? Proceedings of the 43rd International Symposium on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals, May 16-20th 2007, Edinburgh. Verh. Ber. Erkrg. Zootiere, 43; 210-212.      Proceedings of the International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals. - University of Guelph
  15. Cook, E.A.J., Dobson, E.C., Tumwine, J.K., Fox, M.T., 2006.  Cryptosporidium in wildlife, cattle and humans at the wildlife/domestic interface of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Proceedings of the 55th Annual Meeting of the Wildlife Disease Association University of Connnecticut August 6-10, p6. 2006_connecticut_proceedings.pdf
  16. Kilgallon, C.,  Flach, E.J.,  Boardman, W., Routh, A., Strike, T., Jackson, B., 2006.  Biochemical markers of bone in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): a cross sectional analysis of two serum markers of bone formation and one serum marker of bone resorption.  AAZV Proceedings. Analysis of biochemical markers of bone metabolism in asian elephants (elephas maximus)
  17. Taema, M.M., MacGregor, S.K., Sainsbury, A.W., Boardman, W.S.J., 2005.  Preliminary study of Campylobacter sp prevalence in ungulates at Whipsnade Wild AnimalPark, Bedfordshire UK. Bulletin of the British Veterinary Zoological Society 5: 31-37. Retrospective study of Campylobac... preview & related info | Mendeley
  18. Bailey, TA., Holt, W., Bennett, P., Barton. N., Fox, N., 2003.  The Management of Small Populations of Falcons in Captivity and the Results of a Pilot Study to Cryopreserve Semen from Falconida  Using Field Techniques. Proceedings of the European Association of Avian Veterinarians Conference, Tenerife, Spain,  April, 2003,  pp104-112. Become a Member – European Association of Avian Veterinarians
  19. Bouts, T., Fox, M.T., Scheres, G., Cha‘vez, A., 2003.  Identification of gastro-intestinal nematodes and coccidia in wild vicunas (Lama vicugna) in Pampa Galeras, Peru. Verhandlungsbericht der Erkrankungen der Zootiere 41: 101-105. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292810098_Identification_of_gastrointestinal_nematodes_and_coccidia_in_wild_vicunas_Lama_vicugna_in_Pampa_Galeras_Peru
  20. Soares, J. F., Chalker, V.J., Erles, K., Holtby, S., Waters, M., McArthur, S., 2003.  Prevalence of Mycoplasma agassizii and chelonian herpesvirus in captive tortoises (Testudo species) in the United Kingdom.  Annual Proceedings of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA (ed. Charlotte Kirk Baer), p91. Prevalence of Mycoplasma agassizii and Chelonian herpesvirus in captive tortoises (Testudo sp.) in the United Kingdom - UK Health Security Agency
  21. Veit, C.E., Wisser, J., 2003.  Retrospective Confirmation and Evaluation of Toxoplasmosis With High Mortality in Saiga Antelope. Verhandlungsbericht der Erkrankungen der Zootiere 41: 113-116. Diseases of zoo animals : Proceedings of the 41st International Symposium on the Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals, May 28 - June 01, 2003 in Rome, Italy - Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek
  22. Bailey, TA  2002.  Aspergillosis: therapy and prevention in zoo animals with emphasis on raptors.  Falco (Newsletter of the Middle East Falcon Research Group) 20: 18-23. Falco-Issue-20-July-2002-ISSN-1608-1544.pdf
  23. Strike, T.B., 2002.  Non-invasive hormone analysis for reproductive monitoring in female southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum).  Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Milwaukee, USA. pp. 216-218. Non-invasive hormone analysis for reproductive monitoring in female southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). | Semantic Scholar
  24. Twedt Zvonar, L., 2002.  Seroprevalence of Falcon Herpesvirus Antibodies in Captive and Free-living Raptors in the United Kingdom. Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Milwaukee, USA. pp.122-126.  American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)
  25. Wehnelt, S., Hudson, C., Feltrer, Y. and Pearson, J. 2002. Environmental Enrichment for Large Felids at Chester Zoo. Proceedings of the Annual Symposium on Zoo Research, Bristol Zoo Gardens.
  26. Steinmetz, H.W., Kaumanns, W., Dix, I., Heistermann, M., Fox, M.T., Kaup, F-J., 2001.  Influence of housing condition and stress status on coat condition in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Verhandlungsbericht der Erkrankungen der Zootiere 40: 213-219. [PDF] Coat condition, housing condition and measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites – a non‐invasive study about alopecia in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) | Semantic Scholar
  27. Clauss, M., Flach, E.J., Ghebremeskel, K., Tack, C., Hatt, J.M., 2000.  Supplementing the diet of captive giraffe (Giraffa cameloparadalis) with linseed extraction chips. In: Nijboer J, Hatt JM (Eds), Zoo Animal Nutrition, Filander Verlag, Fürth, pp271-280. Supplementing the diet of captive giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) with linseed extraction chips
  28. Mutlow, A., Forbes, N., 2000.  Haemoproteus in raptors: pathogenicity, treatment and control. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Association Avian Veterinarians.pp 157-163. Association of Avian Veterinarians
  29. Clauss, M., Suedmeyer, W.K., Flach, E.J., 1999.  Susceptibility to cold in giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis. Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Colombus, Ohio. pp.183-186. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)
  30. Gual‑Sill, F., Pickard, A.R., Holt, W.V. & Green, D.I., 1999.  Preliminary results of non‑invasive monitoring of the oestrus cycle in female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) through faecal steroid analysis.      Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Conference. 9th‑14th October 1999, Columbus, Ohio. pp. 87‑92. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)
  31. Von Houwald, F., Flach, E.J., 1998.  Prevalence of chronic foot disease in captive greater one‑horned rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis). Proceedings of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV), Second Scientific Meeting, ChesterUK, pp. 323-328. European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians
  32. Hoogesteyn, A.L., Cunningham, A.A., 1996.  Development of an indirect immunofluorescent test for the detection of malaria antibodies in penguins (Sphenisciformes) Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Conference, pp. 584-585. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)
  33. Sainsbury, A.W., Gurnell, J., Nettleton, P.F., Cunningham, A.A., Warns, E-S., MacGregor, S.K., Daszak, P., Ball, S.J., 1995.  Studies on the health and welfare of red squirrels in the UK. Proceedings of the Second NPI Red Alert UK Forum for Red Squirrel Conservation. Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland, London. pp. 95-97.

 

Case Report related -  Peer-reviewed

  1. Van de Weyer Y, Tahas SA. Avian Diabetes Mellitus: A Review. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. 2024 Apr;38(1):21-33.  DOI: 10.1647/AVIANMS-D-22-00057
  2. Mota, S., Stidworthy, M., Guthrie, A., Spiro, S., Denk, D. 2021. Cryptococcus Infection in Captive Callitrichids in the United Kingdom. Journal of Comparative Pathology. 183: 1-8 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.12.001
  3. Jaffe J, Flach E, Feltrer Y, Rivers S, Lopez F, Cunningham  A, 2015. Intestinal adenocarcinoma in a Montserrat mountain chicken (Leptodactylus falla). Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) 3(1): 21-24. https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v3i1.51
  4. Molenaar F., Breed A., Flach E., McCandlish I., Pocknell A., Strike T., Routh A., Taema M. and Summers B 2009 Brain tumours in two Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus): a histiocytic sarcoma and a menigioma. Veterinary Record 164:  684-688 DOI: 10.1136/vr.164.22.684
  5. Peel, A., Bouts, T., Flach, E., Rivers, S. and Routh, A  2009.  Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (equine Cushing's disease) in an onager (Equus hemionus onager).  Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 40: 773-780. https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1426972
  6. Colvile K, Bouts T, Hartley A, Clauss M, Routh A 2008. Frothy bloat and serous fat atrophy associated with insufficient fibre intake in a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). In: Clauss M, Fidgett AL, Hatt JM, Huisman T, Hummel J, Janssen G, Nijboer J, Plowman A (eds) Zoo animal nutrition Vol. VI. Fürth, Filander Verlag, pp219-229 Frothy bloat and serous fat atrophy associated with insufficient fibre intake in a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
  7. Soto–Azat C., Boher, F., Fabry, M., Pascual, P., Medina–Vogel, G., 2008.  Surgical implantation of intra-abdominal radiotransmitters in marine otters (Lontra felina) in Central Chile.  Journal of Wildlife Diseases 44: 979-982. DOI:10.7589/0090-3558-44.4.979
  8. Bailey, T.A., Flach, E.J., 2003. Disease and mortality among great bustards (Otis tarda) at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park 1989 to 1999. Veterinary Record 153: 397-400. DOI: 10.1136/vr.153.13.397
  9. Feltrer, R.Y., Flach, E.J., Freeman, K.P., 2003. Malignant melanoma in a Humboldt’s penguin (Spheniscus humboldti). Veterinary Record 153: 217-218. DOI: 10.1136/vr.153.7.217
  10. Lloyd, C.G. 2003. Surgical management of colon prolapse and subsequent stricture in a Mediterranean spur thigh tortoise, Testudo graeca. Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery 13: 10-13. Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery Volume 13: Issue 2 | Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery
  11. Barnes J., Gerlis, L.M., Cunningham, A.A., 2001.  Preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus in a Sumatran tiger cub, Panthera tigris sumatrae. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 32: 111-114. DOI: 10.1638/1042-7260(2001)032[0111:PACAPD]2.0.CO;2
  12. Clauss M., Dierenfeld ES., 1999.  Susceptibility of yak (Bos grunniens) to copper deficiency. The Veterinary Record 145: 436-437. DOI: 10.1136/vr.145.15.436

 

Case Report related - Non peer-reviewed

  1. Chuei, JY,, Strike, T.B., Routh, A.D., Boardman, W.S.J., 2006.  Conjunctival masses in a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus).  Proceedings of the European Association of Zoo and Willdlife Veterinarians, Budapest, May 24-28, pp163-166. European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians
  2. Soto–Azat, C., Boher, F., Fabry, M., Pascual, P., Medina–Vogel, G., 2006.  Surgical implantation of intra-abdominal radiotransmitters in marine otters (Lontra felina).  British Veterinary Zoological Society Proceedings, November 2006,  Bristol University, U.K, p83. DOI:10.7589/0090-3558-44.4.979
  3. Trondle, U., Strike, T., Sainsbury, A.W., 2006.  Anaesthesia of two true two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) at London Zoo, UK.  Proceedings of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, Budapest, May 2006, pp 323-329  European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians
  4. Elliott, P.P., Ferguson, A.J., 2005.  A case of systemic fungal infection (Metarhizium anisopliae) in a Fregate island giant tenebrionid beetle (Polposiphus herculeanus).      Veterinary Invertebrate Society Newsletter 2(21):8-15  Veterinary Invertebrate Society – The society for the health, veterinary medicine and welfare of all invertebrates. Vet focus but includes all disciplines.
  5. Vila Garcia, G., 2004.  A review of neurology in birds of prey. Falco 23: 18-20.
  6. Pocknell, A., Breed, A., Strike, T., Taema, M., 2003.  A glial cell tumour in the brain of a Bactrian camel (Camelus bacitranus). Proceedings of British Veterinary Zoological Society conference “Non-infectious diseases of mammals”. Dublin, p 29. Link
  7. Flach, E.J., Clauss, M., Hunt, A., 2003.  Copper deficiency in yak (Bos grunniens) at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park. In: Fidgett., A.L., Clauss, M., Gansloßer, U., Hatt, J.M., Nijboer, J., (eds) Zoo animal nutrition Vol. II. Fürth, Filander Verlag, pp103-111 Copper deficiency in yak (Bos grunniens) at whipsnade wild animal park
  8. Breed, A., di Concetto, S., 2002.  Pododermatitis in a Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus).  Proceedings of the British Veterinary Zoological Society, Edinburgh. pp72-74. Link
  9. Soares, J., 2002.  Haemochromatosis in a black-necked aracari. Proceedings of the British Veterinary Zoological Society, Edinburgh. p.40. Link
  10. Flach, E.J., Klemt, A., Pow, I., Reid, H.W. & Tack, C., 1999.  Studies on the gamma herpesvirus carrier status of scimitar‑horned oryx (Oryx dammah) and gemsbok (Oryx gazella).  (Ed. Charlotte Kirk Baer). Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Conference.  October 9‑14 1999, Columbus, Ohio, USA, pp. 183‑186. Link
  11. Kirkwood, J., Holmes, P., Macgregor, S., 1995. Garden bird mortalities.  Veterinary Record 136: 372.  https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.136.16.424-b

 

Module Assessment related - peer-reviewed

  1. Smith, E.H., Van de Weyer, Y., Patterson, S., 2024. Rabies and the Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus): A Review. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 60(3): 572-583  DOI: 10.7589/JWD-D-23-00113

 

N.B. For each reference the student’s name is underlined.

Academic Staff

Course Directors:

Dr María Díez-León  

Dr Chris Yesson 

Dr Andrės Valenzuela Sánchez

Dr Bernat Marti Garcia

Module Leaders:

Principles of Epidemiology and Surveillance: Dr Julian Drewe and Prof Javier Guitian

Ecosystem Health: Dr Andrės Valenzuela Sánchez and Prof Andrew Cunningham

Research Skills and Statistical Analysis: Dr David Brodbelt and Dr Ruby Chang

Conservation Science:  Dr Marcus Rowcliffe and Louise McRae

Wildlife Disease Investigation and Surveillance: Dr Becki Lawson and Dr Simon Spiro

Wildlife Animal Health and Conservation: Dr Malcolm Nicoll and Dr Javier Sánchez Romano

Health and Welfare of Captive Wild Animals: Sheryl Bradley

Practical Studies: Dr Taina Strike, Dr Simon Spiro, Dan Simmonds, Hayley Jakeman

Research Project:  Dr Chris Yesson and Dr María Díez-León  

Meet a Module Leader

Contact Information

The Graduate School
The Royal Veterinary College
Royal College Street
London NW1 0TU
United Kingdom

Email: admissions@rvc.ac.uk
Tel : +44 (0) 207 468 5147

Career Profiles

Our graduates have gone on to work with both captive and free-living wild animals as clinicians, pathologists, epidemiologists, academics and senior management in zoological collections, national parks, universities and government departments worldwide. Others continue to work towards a PhD or DVetMed, either with ZSL, the RVC or at other leading research institutes. 

Marcus Clauss

Marcus Clauss MSc Wild Animal Health

After studying veterinary medicine, Marcus Clauss did the MSc course in Wild Animal Health. The MSc research project on the feeding and digestive physiology of captive giraffe got him into contact with his next employer, the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin, Germany.

His next research was in the field of nondomestic herbivore nutrition, working on moose, black and greater one-horned rhino, hippos and various ruminant species.

He did a 5-year postdoc period at the Institute of Animal Physiology, Physiological Chemistry and Animal Nutrition at the University of Munich, before he found tenure as the Head of Research at the Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife at the University of Zurich.

He is actively involved in graduate and postgraduate education (and also teaches on the MSc WAH nowadays), has supervised a large number of MSc and PhD theses, and continued his research in the area of digestive physiology, anatomy and nutrition of various herbivores, omnivores and carnivores; he has since worked on topics from life history, husbandry and zoo management. 

Sonika Bengaluru Lakshminarayana

Sonika Profile Pic

Dr Sonika B L is a wildlife veterinarian from India and a graduate of the MSc Wild Animal Health programme at the Royal Veterinary College and the Zoological Society of London (2021–2022). During her studies, she developed a strong interest in wildlife disease ecology and the role of pathogens in conservation.

For her Master’s research, Sonika investigated tick-borne pathogens in managed deer populations in the Scottish Highlands, using molecular techniques to detect pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic importance. The experience strengthened her interest in understanding how wildlife health connects with ecosystem and human health.

After completing the programme, Sonika returned to India, where she now works in wildlife conservation health. She is currently involved in monitoring and veterinary management of critically endangered bustard species as part of national conservation efforts with the Wildlife Institute of India. Her role combines clinical veterinary care, disease surveillance, and support for conservation breeding initiatives.

Sonika continues to pursue research on wildlife pathogens and hopes to undertake a PhD in the future, focusing on vector-borne diseases and One Health approaches to wildlife conservation. 

Dr Elysé H Summerfield-Smith BSc(Hons)(Int) BVs MSc(WAH) MRCVS

Elysé Bio Pic

Elysé Summerfield-Smith is from the North-West of England, and started her career as a mixed, predominantly farm animal vet in North Yorkshire,  Elysé studied her MSc WAH as part of the 2020-2021 cohort, and after a post in ZSL's Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance (DRAHS) department, is now a clinical veterinary surgeon at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire,  Elysé is also the British Veterinary Association Council's Recent Graduate Representative, and in 2022 received the BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup).

Dr Justine Shotton

Justine bio pic

Justine has been a vet for fifteen years, initially working with farm animals, horses and domestic pets and now working as the Head Vet for Wildlife and Exotics at the RSPCA following eight years as a zoo vet in Hampshire. Justine is passionate about environmental sustainability, conservation and improving the welfare of all animals, both wild and domestic.  Justine is a Director of Vet Sustain and a Trustee of the Animal Welfare Foundation.  She was President of the British Veterinary Association from 2021-2 and chose Sustainability as her presidential theme, working on a variety of resources to help ensure actionable change to help the veterinary profession become more sustainable.  As well as her veterinary degree, Justine has a BSc in Veterinary Pathology and an MSc in Wild Animal Health and she continues to champion One Health and the interplay between human health, animal health and environmental health.  In her downtime, Justine loves wildlife photography, travelling, learning Italian, dancing, baking and pretty much every sport she can try!

Dr. Khyne U Mar BVS, MSc, MPhil, PhD, FRVCS

Khyne Mar - MSc in Wild Animal Health

"I have been previously employed by the Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Forestry as the Head of Elephant Section, Extraction Department.

I attended MSc (Wild Animal Health) Course in 2000. The course gave me the opportunity to pursue PhD programme which reflects my own unique interests in Asian elephant ecology and population demography.

After finishing my PhD in 2007, I worked as the Asian Elephant Consultant in SE Asian countries and in zoological collections in UK. Currently I work in the position of Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK.

I am taking the role of Project Co-ordinator of Myanmar Elephant Research Project. I co-supervise PhD and MSc projects with Dr, Virpi Lummaa (Reader in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Sheffield). I oversee research activities in Myanmar and liaise between International scientists and the Myanmar Government. Our research group aims to determine factors affecting health, fertility and mortality rates in the captive elephants of Myanmar and devising strategies to improve them."

Richard D Suu-ire

Richard Suu Ire - MSc Wild Animal Health

"Following my completion of the MSc in Wild Animal Health in 2006, I was appointed as a wildlife veterinary epidemiologist. I actively participated in the control of many diseases including the Avian Influenza outbreak in Ghana in April 2007, and am Unit Head of the Wildlife Surveillance Unit of the European Union Avian Influenza Project in Ghana and a member of the Avian Influenza Ghana National Working Group.

I have worked closely with a range of leading international research institutions and organizations, such as WHO, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (USA), and I am currently collaborating with the Institute of Zoology (ZSL), Animal Health laboratory Agency and the Cambridge University (UK). This collaboration focuses on viral zoonoses of fruit bats; the findings of this have been published in leading international journals and presented at international scientific fora.

I am also a PhD student at the University of Ghana with affiliation with the Institute of zoology. I am the Immediate past president of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA), and currently the first vice president. The MSc in Wild Animal Health has been very helpful in shaping my career."

Claudio Soto-Azat, MV, MSc, PhD, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Claudio Soto-Azat - MSc in Wild Animal Health

"I have been involved in animal conservation since 2004 when I became veterinary surgeon in Chile. In 2006/7 I followed my MSc studies in Wild Animal Health and since then I have continued being linked with ZSL through my PhD in Conservation Medicine and the EDGE Programme.

The MSc in Wild Animal Health is one of the most important experiences in my life. Professionally, I developed in the areas of wildlife medicine, wildlife population health and conservation, but personally I also made excellent friends from all over the world and I growth as a person. Today, I am academic and researcher at the Faculty of Ecology and Natural Resources, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile, and always I have felt deeply grateful from the MSc programme."

Rea Tschopp, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ethiopia and Swiss Tropical Institute

Rea Tschopp - MSc Wild Animal Health

"Following the completion of my MSc in Wild Animal Health in 2003 I worked as a wildlife veterinarian for 2 years before starting a PhD in Epidemiology at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, investigating Bovine tuberculosis at the human-livestock-wildlife interface in Ethiopia.

I am currently a research team leader in Zoonosis/One-Health where wildlife and ecosystem health play a big role. Besides being a researcher, I also continue to work as a practicing wildlife veterinarian in Ethiopia as well as lecturing wildlife medicine, and epidemiology at several veterinary faculties at under-and postgraduate levels. The MSc program was without doubt the most important stepping stone in my career."

Course Reviews

"The Masters in Wild Animal Health was a fantastic introduction into the conservation science arena. The course gave us a firm grounding in the basic tools needed for a role in conservation, with a diverse range of speakers providing lectures in their specialist fields, ranging from statistics and virology through to practical classes on remote capture techniques and cetacean rescue. For those interested in a job in conservation, or who just want to discover more about this rapidly emerging field of science, I would highly recommend this course" - Hugo Richardson

"Pursuing a Masters in Wild Animal Health was a dream come through and one of the best experiences. This course gave me a chance to be lectured and work alongside Veterinarians that wrote the wildlife textbooks that I studied from. It broadened my knowledge on wildlife medicine and management and welfare of wildlife. It also stimulated my interest in conservation and emerging diseases. The practical component was my favourite as we were on rotations at well-established Zoos. It was a great opportunity to network with people from around the world and build a rapport. I am still in contact with my colleagues and contact them when I need a consult. I am sure this masters will help me advance in my career, as I am now the first qualified Wildlife Veterinarian in my home country of Trinidad." - Naveena Baboolal

"The MSc course was a brilliant opportunity to get exposure to a large number of specialists - their knowledge but also their various fascinating characters. The resources of the IoZ and the course modules allowed me to delve into so many topics of zoo animal biology and management that I still profit from today. Most of all, the quest for my own MSc topic, and the planning and performing of the experiments and labwork, were a forming experience that made me feel I can achieve a lot if I just set my energy to it, and the drive and confidence I gained at the time is still with me when I plan new projects today. The MSc course gave my body and soul an arena in which to act out the dreams I had at the time, which laid out - without me knowing - the path to my professional future." - Marcus Clauss

"​The special design of this MSc course encouraged me to seek answers by myself and through the discussions with the colleagues who have different academic backgrounds and perspectives. Also, the lecturers are the real experts working on various fields, from animal welfare to veterinary medicine, from captive wildlife management to field research, they equipped me with extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in both in-situ conservation and ex-situ wildlife management. The most attractive part of the course was to develop my own research based on my interests. I travelled to Yunnan, China to study the human-elephant conflict issue which was a valuable experience and provided a good starting point for my future career in China." - Michael Hui

"The Masters in Wild Animal Health was a fantastic introduction into the conservation science arena. The course gave us a firm grounding in the basic tools needed for a role in conservation, with a diverse range of speakers providing lectures in their specialist fields, ranging from statistics and virology through to practical classes on remote capture techniques and cetacean rescue. For those interested in a job in conservation, or who just want to discover more about this rapidly emerging field of science, I would highly recommend this course." - Hugo Richardson

"The MSc course in Wild Animal Health was memorable in more ways than one. Personally, it encouraged me to ask critical questions and seek answers, and fit well with my nature to learn by myself. The course gives great emphasis on the diseases and treatment of wildlife from a unique eco-system and conservation medicine perspective, something that is invaluable in today’s changing wildlife conservation scenario. The chance to work with excellent wildlife veterinarians and biologists at one of the premier wildlife conservation societies in the world is also an experience not to be missed. I made great friends and some relationships that will last a lifetime. All in all, this MSc. course brilliantly encapsulates the exceedingly vast field of wildlife and conservation medicine in a short period of one year, and is highly recommended for anyone looking to get into this field." - Sreejith Radhakrishnan, Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, India

"The MSc Wild Animal Health not only give me knowledge on wildlife veterinary medicine but also open my mind to the conservation aspect, which is very important currently. It’s been also a great opportunity to learn and work with a famous institution like ZSL, IoZ or RVC. Even now I’m back to work at my home country, I still contact my friends and colleagues over there. This course is one of the best experiences in my life." - Supaphen Sripiboon, Kasetsart University, Thailand

Postcard