Conference Proceedings - "WATERFOWL" INFORMATION NETWORK International Conference
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Organisational Overviews: The Royal Veterinary College, the Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases

Author: Dr Ann Pocknell, Lecturer in Anatomic Pathology

In the Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases (PID) of the Royal Veterinary College, our main objective is to provide a complete diagnostic pathology service for all species of wild and domestic animals, including wild waterfowl.

Our services include post mortem examination of entire carcasses, microscopic examination of tissues (histology), microbiology, parasitology and clinical pathology including analysis of blood, fluid or cellular samples from living animals.

Pathology is often the key to diagnosis of a disease, especially in wild populations. A correct diagnosis is necessary for appropriate disease and population management. We may also be able to recognise emerging diseases in a population or identify contributing environmental problems. In many cases, pathology may be a useful or necessary aspect of research in the field.

Several members of the department have a special interest in the diseases of wildlife. Dr Ann Pocknell has advanced training in pathology of wildlife including waterfowl, and Dr Joy Archer has a special interest in the clinical pathology of non-domestic species including birds. In addition, we will soon be joined by Michael Waters, a veterinarian specialising in the treatment of live birds and wild or exotic mammals.

CONTACT DETAILS

Further details of our services, including current process, are available from Dr. Joy Archer, Director of Laboratory Services, on 01707 666 361.