Zoomedicine

Careers in Zoological Medicine

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians

What is Zoological Medicine?

Zoological Medicine is the practice of veterinary medicine applied to zoo

and wildlife species. It encompasses the comparative medicine of fish,

amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Zoological veterinarians are

involved in the maintenance and improvement of health care, the relief of

suffering and the conservation and propagation of zoo and wildlife

species. Although job opportunities are fewer than in some other areas of

veterinary medicine, zoological medicine is a growing, exciting and

challenging career.

How are Zoological Veterinarians employed?

Zoological Veterinarians are often employed in the following areas:

Zoos, Wild Animal Parks, Aquariums

There are over 150 zoos, wild animal parks and aquariums in the United

States. Most have fully equipped veterinary hospitals on the premises. A

few of the largest zoos and aquariums may employ 4-8 veterinarians to

attend to the animal collection. Many large metropolitan zoos have 1-2

full-time veterinarians on staff. Some small zoos contract the services of

a local practicing veterinarian on a part-time basis.

Free Ranging Wildlife

The federal government employs veterinarians to participate in its many

programs involving the management and conservation of free ranging

wildlife. Some state and local governments, as well as universities and

private foundations, are actively involved in the conservation and

rehabilitation of wildlife and, therefore, require the services of trained

veterinarians.

Research

Research is necessary not only to advance scientific knowledge, but also

to improve animal health and assist in conservation of species.

Veterinarians associated with zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks,

universities, and free ranging wildlife can be involved in research to

advance and improve zoological medicine. Some important areas of research

in zoological medicine include reproductive biology, nutrition,

pharmacology, disease ecology, comparative anatomy and physiology.

Pathology

Pathology is the study of disease processes. Some veterinary pathologists

have a special interest in zoo and wildlife species. To become a

veterinary pathologist requires several years of post-graduate training.

Pathologists may be employed by universities, zoos or private

laboratories.

Teaching Institutions

Some veterinary schools have programs for teaching or research in

zoological medicine and employ trained veterinarians.

What Duties do Zoological Veterinarians Perform?

Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians require a knowledge of the husbandry,

nutrition and diseases of a wide range of species.

Preventive Medicine Programs

Prevention of disease in zoo and wildlife species is a large share of the

zoological veterinarian's duty. This is done through a program of proper

nutrition, routine physical examinations, dental exams, periodic parasite

evaluations, routine blood tests, annual vaccinations, and herd

management. Also, new animals entering a zoological collection are

quarantined and tested for diseases before being placed with other

animals.

Restraint and Anesthetic Techniques

Free ranging wildlife as well as animals in a zoological collection

present special problems since they often cannot be approached or

restrained easily. The veterinarian must be familiar with manual restraint

methods as well as tranquilizing and anesthetic drug use. Zoological

veterinarians determine which method will be the safest to use in each

case. Darts shot from blowpipes or air guns and injections given via pole

syringes are some common ways to administer tranquilizing or anesthetic

drugs to zoo and wildlife species.

Examination, Diagnosis and Treatment of Sick Animals

The zoological veterinarian must be able to diagnose and treat illnesses

in a wide variety of animals. Blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, and

electrocardiograms are all commonly used in zoo and wildlife species to

diagnose disease. Many of the same drugs used in humans and in domestic

animals are also used in zoo and wildlife species.

Surgery

The zoological veterinarian is equipped to perform surgery on a finch or

on an elephant if needed. Surgical techniques used on zoo or wildlife

patients have been modified from techniques developed for domestic species

and humans.

Reproduction

Encouraging the reproduction of endangered species is a goal of species

survival programs. Zoological veterinarians perform an important role in

the successful outcome of reproductive programs. Veterinarians may perform

blood or urine tests to determine the optimum breeding times for an

animal. They may also be involved in artificial insemination, embryo

transfer procedures and in vitro fertilization. They monitor pregnant

animals and assist deliveries if needed.

Research

Most veterinarians in zoo and wildlife medicine devote at least some of

their time to research projects. Research findings are then shared with

others in the zoological field.

Public Health

Some zoo and wildlife species may carry diseases that transmit to humans.

The zoological veterinarian must be knowledgeable of these diseases and

establish plans to prevent their transmission to people.

Related Programs

In addition, zoological veterinarians are involved in exhibit design,

animal welfare issues and education programs.

What are the Requirements to Become a Zoological Veterinarian?

A person who hopes to be a zoological veterinarian should be a good

student and a well-rounded individual. To earn a degree in veterinary

medicine requires many years of college education. In the United States,

the pre-veterinary training is 3-4 years whereas in Canada it is 1-2

years. The veterinary curriculum in both countries is 4 years in a college

of veterinary medicine.

The pre-veterinary education should consist of a broad course selection

including biology, zoology, chemistry, physiology, mathematics, and animal

ecology.

There are 27 accredited veterinary colleges in the United States and 4 in

Canada. All of these colleges offer a broad based veterinary education in

the study of domestic species (dogs, cats, horses, cattle, swine, sheep

and goats). Knowledge of domestic animal medicine is an important

background to zoological medicine. Most veterinary colleges also offer

elective courses in the study of various zoological species. Some schools

work with local zoos and offer clinical rotations in zoological medicine.

It is a good idea to inquire about zoological electives or rotations when

applying to a veterinary college.

What Other Programs are Available to Interested Students or Veterinarians?

Externship Programs

Externships are short-term programs during the 4th year of veterinary

school to allow a student to pursue areas of special interest. Some zoos

offer 8-12-week externships that allow a student to work directly under a

zoological veterinarian. Zoos with externship programs will generally

accept only 1 or 2 students at a time. The positions are often highly

competitive and must be applied for well in advance.

Internship Programs

Internships are 1-year positions to introduce graduate veterinarians to an

area of interest by working under experienced veterinarians. Some zoos

offer internship programs in zoological medicine.

Residency Programs

Residencies are 1-3-year positions to further develop experience in a

special area of medicine. Some zoos and veterinary schools offer residency

programs in zoological medicine. These positions require the completion of

an internship program or some previous experience in zoological medicine.

How are Other Jobs in Zoological Medicine Obtained?

Jobs in zoological medicine can be found in other related fields. The

American Association of Zoological Technicians (AAZT), the Wildlife

Disease Association (WDA), and the Association of Wildlife Veterinarians

(AAWV) can provide information on alternate careers in wildlife medicine.

The AAZV, AAZPA, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

publish current job opportunities on a regular basis.

What is the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians?

The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians is the central organization

of zoological veterinarians. Its members are veterinarians and veterinary

students interested in zoological medicine. The organization's mission is

to improve the health care and promote the conservation of captive and

free ranging wildlife through education and communication, scientific

publications, annual conferences and personal interaction. Annual meetings

and quarterly publications provide the forum for advancing the fields of

zoological medicine and conservation.

Are there other career opportunities in the zoological field?

For further information please contact:

American Association of Zoological

Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA)

Oglebay Park

Wheeling, WV 26003-1698

www.aza.org

American Association of Wildlife

Veterinarians (AAWV)

College of Veterinary Medicine

University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

International Association of Aquatic

Animal Medicine (IAAAM)

College of Veterinary Medicine

University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

Wildlife Disease Association (WDA)

224 SE 16th Street Box 886

Ames, IA 50010

Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV)

PO Box 811720

Boca Raton, FL 33481-1720