Wildlife Veterinarian
Emma Dlhosh
What does a Wildlife Vet do?
A Wildlife Veterinarian are practitioners that treat many kinds of wildlife such as reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and birds.
Educational Requirements
A wildlife veterinarian must have a doctoral in veterinary medicine and a state license.
Wildlife vets can work with marine animals as well as land animals.
Animals of all ages and species can be treated by wildlife vets.
A wildlife vet will encounter many species throughout their career.
Dangers a Wildlife Veterinarian May Face
When exposed to many wildlife species, a wildlife veterinarian can get hurt by the confused animals. When stressed, the animal may attack the people trying to help them and the veterinarians can be scratched, bit, kicked, etc. A wildlife vet may work with large, dangerous animals such as lions, cheetahs, and elephants so they are always at danger when treating an exotic animal.
Protection of the Veterinarians
When working with large, wild animals, there's always the threat of the animal hurting the people around them. To minimize safety hazards, wildlife vets should inform people around them of the possible hazards, make a safety plan, use equipment properly, promote safe work hazards, and use surveillance to record and report any workplace injuries that may occur.
Ethical Issues a Wildlife Veterinarian may Face
Covered by the oath of practice for veterinarians, treatment should always be influenced only by the welfare of the patient, all patients should be treated with respect and compassion, and veterinarians must respect the rights of anyone they encounter, always tell the truth, and continue to deepen their understanding of their field of medicine.
Legal Issues a Wildlife Veterinarian May Face
Just like medical doctors, any veterinarian can be sued for malpractice. Generally, malpractice charges are much less of an issue in veterinary medicine but a clinic can be put at risk when charged of malpractice.
Infectious Hazards and Prevention
Undulant Fever is always a threat when working with animals like white-tailed deer, fox, and raccoon that could be infected by the Brucellosis bacteria. This is a highly contagious infection in many animals that can be transmitted through contact with tissues, blood, urine, and fetuses of infected animals. This disease causes symptoms like back pain, muscle pain, headache, sweats, rising and falling fevers, weakness, and anorexia.
Transmission of diseases when working with wildlife can be prevented by using proper personal protection equipment and to always clean any surfaces or equipment used while working with animals.
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