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What is Wildlife and Exotics Congress?

Wildlife and Exotics Congress is a one day virtual event that explores the care of wildlife and exotic species in veterinary practice.

This congress offers 7 hours of evidenced CPD and we will be welcoming a range of expert industry speakers to deliver lectures on topics including:

  • Avian Anaesthesia – Keeping it safe
  • An introduction to monitoring anaesthesia in small furries
  • Hibernation: Let's dispel myths and legends to face it safely
  • Nursing Care for Hedgehogs
  • What’s Up Doc? – Top Tips for Rabbit Patients

Who should attend?

Veterinary nurses looking to develop their knowledge of wildlife and exotics nursing. This congress will be particularly useful if you're:

  • Interested in learning more about caring for wildlife or exotic species
  • Aiming to specialise in the nursing of wildlife or exotic species
  • Aiming to progress within your role
  • Interested in keeping up-to-date with everything happening in the industry

Why attend?

  • Listen to lectures from a range of speakers who will be sharing their experiences and knowledge
  • Q&A sessions mean your questions will be answered by the speakers themselves
  • Gain practical takeaways that you can implement in your practice
  • Gain information, product knowledge and offers from our virtual exhibitors
  • Earn 7 hours of evidenced CPD
  • Gain online access to recordings of all the lectures and lectures from previous congresses up until the next event
Download the agenda (PDF)

Online Registration, Exhibition and Lounges

Chair's Welcome

Jessica Parkes BSc(Hons) RVN, FHEA, C&G Cert VNES, The College of Animal Welfare

An introduction to monitoring anaesthesia in small furries!

Katy Allen RVN NCert(ECC) CertAVN(Anaesthesia)

This presentation will cover key learning points, in order to help enable you to:

  • Identify normal parameters in small furry species
  • Identify risks involved in anaesthetising these species, including hypothermia and how to minimise
  • Know how to adapt the use of your multi-parameter to use for anaesthetic monitoring on these species including your capnograph

Avian Anaesthesia – Keeping it safe!

Matthew Rendle RVN, The Association of Zoo & Exotic Veterinary Nurses (AZEVN)

Veterinary professionals can often be fearful of avian anaesthesia and whist it is true, they are very different to companion mammals, avian anaesthesia can be carried out both very safely and welfare minded - if we have a good understanding of the anatomy of these ‘living dinosaurs’. This presentation will cover the following key learning points:

  • Greater understanding of how birds breathe
  • How being well prepared is essential for bird anaesthesia
  • How attention to detail is really important and will help to ensure we get a positive outcome

Live Q&A Panel

Present questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers.

Morning Break, Online Exhibition and Lounges

What’s Up Doc? – Top Tips for Rabbit Patients

Jo Megarity RVN, LagoLearn

This session provides a selection of top tips across a broad range of rabbit subjects for use in clinical and rescue settings for both domestic and wild rabbits. As a prey species, we need to take a different approach to their care and be able to understand the subtle ways in which they communicate.

Topics include stress reduction techniques, handling restraint and kennelling options, triage tips, pain scoring, commonly presenting issues and more! This is designed to give you as many top tips as possible to give you a better understanding of rabbits and how to nurse them.

Live Q&A Panel

Present questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers.

Lunch Break, Online Exhibition and Lounges

Nursing Care for Hedgehogs

Nicola Williams BSc (Hons) RVN C&GCertVNES

The European hedgehog is a species which is sadly in decline and now vulnerable to extinction. As nurses, we can play a critical role in helping this protected species and contribute to the rehabilitation of diseased and injured individuals.

Understanding their ecology is paramount to caring for these patients appropriately, as well as being able to both advise and educate members of the general public on what to do if they find a perceived injured/ill hedgehog.

This presentation aims to give a good grounding on how to triage and care for this species effectively, how to approach a hedgehog nursing care plan, exploring husbandry and feeding behaviour and will offer some specific case examples which may be seen in practice.

Hibernation: Let's dispel myths and legends to face it safely

Gianluca Deli MRCVS, DVM, CertAVP(ZM), GPCert(ExAP), PgCert(EAS), GPAdvCertSMP, PgCert(HE), FHEA, Official Veterinarian (OV), VetGDP Adviser, RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine, Medivet

Hibernation is a fundamental moment in the life of a tortoise. There are many points of view on this matter, and the owners could be misguided.

It is therefore important to know how to give owners the right advice and support them, especially if it is their first experience.

Live Q&A Panel

Present questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers.

Chair's Close

Jessica Parkes BSc(Hons) RVN, FHEA, C&G Cert VNES, The College of Animal Welfare

Online Exhibition and Lounges

Please note this programme is subject to change.

Gianluca DeliGianluca Deli MRCVS, DVM, CertAVP(ZM), GPCert(ExAP), PgCert(EAS), GPAdvCertSMP, PgCert(HE), FHEA, Official Veterinarian (OV), VetGDP Adviser, RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine
Medivet

After working in Italy for 8 years, in 2018 he moved to the UK and since then is working at Seers Croft Veterinary Surgeon (West Sussex) as lead exotics vet. He obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PgC HE), Fellowship in Higher Education (FHEA) and General Practitioner Advanced Certificates in Small Mammals (GPAdvCertSMP) in 2022. In 2023 he obtained the Diploma recognition in Exotic Medicine from the American College of Exotic Pet Medicine. He is working towards the Certified Aquatic Veterinarian (CertAqV). Member of BVZS, AEMV, SIVAE, he routinely attends seminars, lectures and International Conferences.

Jess ParkesJessica Parkes BSc(Hons) RVN, FHEA, C&G Cert VNES
The College of Animal Welfare

Jessica qualified as an RVN in 2012 and graduated from the Royal Veterinary College with a BSc (Hons) degree in Veterinary Nursing.

She moved into Higher Education in 2016 and developed and led on a variety of modules, including Level 6 Exotic Animal Nursing. In 2019 she achieved her Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species Certificate and assisted Danielle Shaw and Helen Reynolds in publishing the following article in The Veterinary Nurse Journal; 'Assessing pain in rabbits: how well does the Rabbit Grimace Scale work in the veterinary practice?'

Jessica became the Student Engagement Officer for the College of Animal Welfare (CAW) in January 2023. She is very passionate about the Veterinary Nursing profession and loves her role in student engagement.

Jo MegarityJo Megarity RVN
LagoLearn

Jo has worked in the veterinary industry since 2007 and has always had a special interest in rabbits. She owns LagoLearn, which provides rabbit specific CPD to veterinary professionals in the UK and Internationally. She spends a significant amount of voluntary time highlighting animal welfare, is the Secretary of the AZEVN and is proud have been the President of the BVNA in 2019/2020. Jo has received several awards over the years including the Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year in 2014, an RCVS Innovation Award winner in 2017 and the IFAW Animal Advocate Award in 2017.

Katy AllenKaty Allen RVN NCert(ECC) CertAVN(Anaesthesia)

Katy is an RVN with a love for anaesthesia. She enjoys educating and sharing the skills and knowledge she has gained throughout her career, with the aim to improve patient care.

Throughout her career she has worked in first opinion hospitals, an ICU unit within a multidisciplinary referral hospital, a zoo and exotic referral hospital and she now enjoys working in an ophthalmology referral practice, where anaesthesia is part of her role every day.

Away from work she enjoys netball and both agility and paddle boarding with her energetic cocker spaniel!

Matthew Rendle

Matthew Rendle RVN
The Association of Zoo & Exotic Veterinary Nurses (AZEVN)

In 1994, Matthew was made Senior Theatre Nurse. He left in 2003 to pursue his interest in zoo and wildlife nursing at the Zoological Society of London. Matthew left the Zoo in April 2017 to look for new challenges within exotic and wildlife nursing.

Matt has experience in the nursing care for many species from ants to elephants (and most things in-between) and has been fortunate to travel as part of his roles.

Matt has been recognised for his managerial skills and in 2020 was awarded The Bruce Vivash Jones Veterinary Nursing award by the BSAVA, as recognition for outstanding contribution to advancement of small animal veterinary nursing.

He lectures throughout Europe and America to veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and veterinary nursing undergraduates as part of their core modules on topics such as the husbandry and welfare of exotic species and some areas of zoo and wildlife diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia.

Matt has completed a three-year term on the British Veterinary Nursing Association Council, which allowed him to help promote and raise the profile of veterinary nursing in the UK and is currently an elected member of the RCVS Veterinary Nursing council, working on many aspects of progressing and elevating the veterinary nursing profession.

Nicola WilliamsNicola Williams BSc (Hons) RVN C&GCertVNES

Nicola graduated as an RVN in 2015 whilst working at a 24-hour emergency referral practice. During her time in referral, she volunteered at several wildlife hospitals and charities within the UK where she gained valuable skills that helped her to gain employment at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital.

Once qualified, Nicola went on to complete her certificate in veterinary nursing of exotic species and wildlife.

Outside of her work duties, Nicola pursues her interest in biological monitoring, surveying and conservation, and volunteers for several wildlife organisations such as Shropshire Dormouse Group, Butterfly Conservation, Wildlife Trust and the British Trust of Ornithology.

CAW Business School

CAW Business School was set up in 2012 to offer business related qualifications. CAW Business School offers a number of highly recognised qualifications including the opportunity to study AAT Accounting, Business Administration, Customer Service, TAQA and ILM leadership and management, and coaching and mentoring courses.

Millpledge Veterinary LogoMillpledge Veterinary

Millpledge Veterinary has been manufacturing innovative products designed specifically for the veterinary professional for over 30 years.

Ranging from Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals, Bandaging and Fluid Therapy, encompassing products for companion and large animal use. Providing complete peace of mind for the veterinary profession.

Popular products include Rapz Eazy Tear® Cohesive Bandages, Eaze-Off® Tape and Bandage Removal Spray, Tom Tiddle™ Urinary Cat Catheters, Millpack™ Sterilisation Pouches with built-in sterility test strips, Aniset™ IV Sets for small and large animals, and V-GEL® advanced species-specific supraglottic airway devices for Rabbits, Cats, and Dogs.

Visit our website at www.millpledge.com to view our full range.

Pet RemedyPet Remedy

Pet Remedy is a natural plant based range of calming products for pets. Easy to use and fast acting. This unique and patented formula is valerian root oil based and is made in the UK.

Pet Remedy works with the pet's own natural calming mechanisms and is suitable for use in all stressful situations. Pet Remedy will also help with developing emotional resilience and wellbeing. Now used by most veterinary practices and rescues on a daily basis. Visit the vet zone on our website and you will see a detailed explanation by Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor (veterinary neuro surgeon and author), about how Pet Remedy works. You will also see links to 9 published studies showing efficacy in multi-species including cat, dog, rabbit, pig and horse.

PALSPinmoore Animal Laboratory Services Limited (PALS)

Meet PALS – your one-stop exotics diagnostic laboratory...

We pride ourselves on our rapid and personalised veterinary diagnostic testing service and we are passionate in our aim to support vets in giving the best care to their patients.

We are specialists in the analysis of samples from all exotic species from zoos, wildlife parks and exotic veterinary practices, Aardvarks to Zebras, we do them all, along with an extensive range of diagnostic tests to support small animal, equine and farm animal vets. From tests involving multiple disciplines including, haematology, microbiology, biochemistry and cytology, to professional postmortem services – we offer a comprehensive list of options.

Throughout last year, we have launched several new ‘Express’ tests including E. cuniculi IgM & IgG antibody and PCR testing for E. cuniculi, Tritrichomonas and Chlamydia psittaci giving you results within 24 hours of receipt. Our continual investment in research and development ensures that we are at the forefront of veterinary laboratory technology and innovative techniques.

Our ethos is to give you and your clients the highest level of quality and service with exceptional customer care from our dedicated customer service team, all supported with expert veterinary advice from one of our specialists.

CAW LogoThe College of Animal Welfare

The College of Animal Welfare is one of the largest providers of veterinary nurse training in the UK, with centres in Cambridgeshire, North London, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, County Durham and Scotland. We strongly believe that education and training is the key to raising standards of animal welfare. To this end, we strive to create new and accessible opportunities for learning, and encourage employers and those working with animals to undertake appropriate levels of training and continue with lifelong learning and education.

VetlifeVetlife

Vetlife is a charity dedicated to supporting the veterinary profession.

Everyone in the veterinary community is welcome to contact the Vetlife Helpline for free, independent and confidential support – including veterinary nurses, veterinary students, and non-clinical staff. The Helpline can be reached on 0303 040 2551 or by anonymous email.

Following contact with the Vetlife Helpline, volunteers can refer those needing further care to our award-winning Vetlife Health Support service which provides mental health support.

Vetlife Financial Support is available for eligible veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and their dependants in the UK.

Early Bird Tickets Available

£150 (£125+VAT)

That's a saving of £60

Once the Early Bird promotion ends, your ticket will cost: £210 (£175+VAT)

Early Bird pricing is available until Friday 23 August 2023.

Interested in exhibiting at Wildlife and Exotics Congress?

Wildlife and Exotics Congress is a one day virtual event that explores the care of wildlife and exotic species in veterinary practice.

Why exhibit with us?

  • Limited exhibitor numbers - Unlike larger congresses where hundreds of exhibitors often mean that visitors will not remember everyone, exhibition space for these events is strictly limited. As such you will get the opportunity to engage with the delegates attending our congresses personally.
  • Make meaningful business connections – Network with those that influence decision making in veterinary practice and make relevant industry contacts virtually.
  • Cost effective – with exhibitor packages starting from just £50+VAT, our prices offer value for money and fall considerably below that of larger events within the industry.

To find out more contact Claire Gregory on 01480 422060.


Book now