Master of Veterinary Medicine in Wildlife Diseases

Gain knowledge and skills in wildlife veterinary care that leads to registration as a specialist veterinarian in this field with the SA Veterinary Council. Such specialist will be able to render a service, in excellence that promotes biodiversity, the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and supports the developing game farming industry in this country.

The qualifications also provides fundamental training in research methodology through the completion of a dissertation. The learner will be equipped with sufficient knowledge of the principles involved and the methodology required in wildlife biology and disease to conduct such research independently and to intelligently read and interpret the reports on similar research conducted by others.

Provide the knowledge and practical skills needed to capture, handle and care for wild animals which is fundamental to the achievement of the above.

The qualification provides a basis for further studies leading to a doctoral qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, NQF Level 8.
• Matriculation Certificate.
• First Degree: B V Sc or equivalent.

1. Capture, handling and translocation of wild animals.
2. Acquire knowledge of diseases of wild animals; their epidemiology, control and the potential impact these might have on wildlife populations.
3. Acquire an understanding of the principles of ecology.
4. Acquire knowledge of the adaptations shown by mammals which influence their successful distribution.
5. Conduct research in the field of animal reproduction.
6. Develop an attitude of and skills for continuous learning.

One

• Capture both herbivores and carnivores using drug immobilisation.
• Apply and in depth knowledge of the pharmacology of immobilising drugs.
• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of the physiology of animals and particularly of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and the physiology of exercise.
• Demonstrate an ability to understand and select darting systems for use in different species.
• Explain the requirements to be met for the capture of different species: the drug combinations to be used; behaviour of the species; specific reactions and sensitivities to the drugs used.
• Describe and use mechanical capture methods: net, plastic boma and pop-up kraal capture.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of transport systems for different species of wild animals.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the importance of habitat assessment. Be able to advise buyers of wild animals on what steps to take to have such an assessment made of the proposed areas of destination of translocated animals.

Two

• Be able to explain the pathogenesis of disease in wild species and the impact of diseases on wild populations.
• Explain rational approaches to the control of animal diseases in the light of the natural or sylvatic cycle of disease.

Three

• Be able to assess population dynamics data and utilise this information in the sustained utilisation and management of wildlife populations.
• Be able to assess and explain factors that influence the abundance of specific animal populations.

Four

• Demonstrate the adaptations of species that occupy diverse and extreme habitats by comparing them to domestic species.

Five

• Design research projects by writing comprehensive research protocols.
• Execute research by following the instructions as detailed in protocols.
• Evaluate research findings using appropriate scientific methods.
• Write a dissertation.
• Write research papers for publication in peer reviewed, scientific journals.
• Prepare research results for oral and/or poster presentation to peer audiences, breeders and farmers.

Six

• Collect information from available library resources by manual and electronic means.
• Compile literature reviews.
• Communicate with peers by attending relevant meetings.

Integrated Assessment

• Portfolios.
• Work-place assessments.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.