Estonian University of Life Sciences wildlife clinic
The clinic of the Estonian University of Life Sciences is not only engaged in domestic animals, but one small part of the clinic is treating wild animals and studying their health.
Main areas of activity:
- Diagnosis and treatment of disease in wild animals
- Wildlife health and species conservation studies
- Theoretical and practical training for veterinarians in wildlife medicine
- Consultations and expertise in wildlife health
Patients are, above all, species with a high conservation status, which are not only treated, but also the causes of their illness are identified, and the information received is used to implement better species protection. The treatment of wild animals is generally long, as they must be cared until they are fully healed and are able to return to the wild. For this purpose, a separated area from domestic animals has been reserved for wildlife patients. This includes a treatment room, inpatients stationary as well an external facility in the yard of the clinic. Further development of the necessary infrastructure is being addressed.
The unit also conducts theoretical and practical research in the field. Students of veterinary medicine at the Estonian University of Life Sciences have the opportunity to participate in the treatment and research of wild animals, including possibility do a thesis on some relevant topics affecting the life and health of a wild animal.
Also, a biobank of wild animals is part of the unit, where various biological samples (dead specimens, organs, blood, etc.) are collected all over Estonia and stored. These samples are being used in health retrospective studies as the wild animals around us can be a very useful mirror to changes in the environment and the dangers (infectious diseases and contaminants) that are also important for human health.
In the case of a wild animal in distress, please first contact the state hotline 1247 (1247@1247.ee) or the Environmental Board. The reception of protected wild animals is carried out based on a prior agreement.
Additional information
veterinarian Madis Leivits
President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis