Utrecht, Netherlands

Diagnostic Avian and Exotic Animals Pathology

In this course the student is trained to perform post-mortem diagnostics based on protocols, and to formulate, based on this diagnosis, the pathogenesis, the etiology and significance of the pathological conclusion for the contact animals. The necropsied animals are sent in by zoos and private owners. After the necropsy and discussion with the pathologist the student will contact the referring veterinarian. The veterinarian will be informed about the results and conclusion of the necropsy. The student writes a report and sends it to the pathology resident. The student will present selected cases and attend the resident histology seminars.

The animal species included are:

Mammals: zoo animals, wildlife, rabbits, rodents and other privately kept animals;
Birds: zoo- and park birds, back-yard poultry, aviary birds, pet birds and racing pigeons and wildlife;
Reptiles, amphibians and occasionally fish and insects.
The protocols include the following disciplines:

Gross pathology;
Parasitology;
Microbiology;
Cytology;
Histology.
The diagnostic activities are performed by the students themselves under supervision of a trained veterinary pathologist. During this course the students are expected to make and present review/case-studies of selected cases from the diagnostic material.

The students will daily be present in the necropsy room and based on what dead animals are presented they will perform the necropsies. One assigned necropsy case per week will be presented by the student as review/case-study on Thursday morning. On Wednesday afternoon the students will attend the resident histology seminars. The last day of the course the student will pass an exam based on the necropsy that is available that day.

Course leader

Dr. Marja J.L. Kik

Course aim

Training in post-mortem investigation of exotic animals and wildlife.

Fee info

EUR 1000: Course + course materials
EUR 1200: Housing fee (optional)