Services

Our pathology division was established to provide dedicated pathology services for zoo, exotic, wildlife and aquarium species (including fish), and we are unique within the UK in working solely with these species. We provide gross post mortem examinations and histopathology services for our own zoo, aquarium and private clients, to other diagnostic laboratories, and to specialist referral and first opinion veterinary practices. We prefer private individuals (i.e. non-veterinarians) with collections of exotic animals to liaise with us through their usual veterinary surgeon in the first instance, so that appropriate clinical measures (e.g. prescription treatments) can be recommended by their vet in response to our findings. Our two pathologists work closely with our experienced clinicians and support staff within IZVG to assist many leading zoological collections and aquaria. Regular publications and professional presentations attest to our determination to enhance the discipline of zoo pathology in the United Kingdom.

From our laboratory in Keighley, International Zoo Veterinary Group Pathology can provide the following services:

• Gross post mortem examinations for zoo, wildlife and aquarium species including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals (including most primates)
• Histopathology (biopsy or post mortem material) on formalin-fixed samples from all of the above species
• Forensic post mortem examination and expert witness statements for legal and insurance cases
• Extensive in-house laboratory support for the above examinations, including cytology, microbiology and parasitology
• Detailed written reports (by email or fax) tailored to your requirements, including interpretative comment based on the available literature
• Access to an extensive range of expert testing (virology, mycobacteriology, mycology, PCR testing, electron microscopy, haemoprotozoal identification etc.) to supplement gross or histological diagnosis as required, with comment and integration of results into final reports by our pathologists
• Collection (by prior agreement), suitable storage and onward shipment of additional samples to support research protocols (e.g. to support taxon-specific EEP or other conservation-based programmes)
• Pathology support for in-situ or ex-situ conservation work, either on a case-by-case basis or as part of a grant-funded or DEFRA-tendered programme of work
• Scientifically rigorous, residency-trained pathologists readily available for telephone or email consultation on cases submitted to us, or for wider guidance on any aspect of zoo and wildlife pathology
• Enthusiasm to collaborate on presentations and publications arising from the above