Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Monkey health check inspires budding vets
Max receiving a full-body health check by the veterinary team at ZSL London Zoo.

ZSL London Zoo's Vets in Action Week returns for 2022.

ZSL London Zoo has kicked off its award-winning Vets in Action week by sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a monkey getting a health check.

Vets in Action takes place over the February half-term (12-20 Feb), giving young visitors a chance to experience the large scope of work carried out by the Zoo’s vets, vet nurses and zookeepers.

In fascinating images released by the Zoo, nine-year-old colobus monkey Max can be seen having a full-body health check before getting a clean bill of health by the expert veterinary team.

ZSL’s head vet Amanda Guthrie said: “Max had a comprehensive health check this week under general anaesthetic, to make sure he is all set to relocate to his exciting new Monkey Valley home; after a dental check, x-rays, blood tests and even an ultrasound of his vital organs, he was confirmed fit and healthy and ready for his future move. 

“Over the coming weeks, Max’s fellow troop members will all get the same VIP health check – an important part of the ZSL vet team’s work, which our young visitors will get a taste of this February half-term during Vets in Action.” 

During Vets in Action Week, visitors will help experts examine, diagnose and carry out treatments on soft toys - from health checks on colobus monkeys to giving pregnant sloths an ultrasound. There will also be additional demonstrations and talks throughout the week explaining how the Zoo cares for its residents. 

Amanda added: “Every animal at the Zoo, from the smallest mongoose to the tallest giraffe, is treated by ZSL’s on-site vet team, who monitor their health alongside the zookeepers who care for them on a daily basis.” 

Image (C) ZSL London Zoo.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.