The RSPB Investigations Team has launched a free online learning module for veterinary professionals, to help identify potential incidents of raptor persecution which might otherwise go undetected and unreported.
Raptor persecution (predominantly shooting, trapping and poisoning) is a UK wildlife crime priority and RSPB Investigations team works closely with enforcement agencies to tackle the issue.
X-ray of dead raptor containing several pieces of shot
The learning content covers bird of prey identification, legislation (tailored to each UK country) and clinical presentations of raptor persecution that veterinary professionals could encounter during their day-to-day work.
The team joined forces with exotics and wildlife vet Mark Naguib BVMS(Hons) CertAVP(ZooMed) MRCVS to produce the comprehensive module. Based in North Yorkshire – a notorious raptor crime hotspot - he has encountered more than his fair share of shot birds of prey.
He said: “Unfortunately, very little time is given to illegal persecution of birds of prey and wildlife crime teaching in UK vet school curricula. It is our hope that this resource will help fill that gap and give vets and nurses guidance both on how to approach these cases clinically and on dealing with the legal aspects."
Vets and Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) can record two hours informal learning on their annual CPD record, which they have to maintain as part of their professional registration.
RSPB Investigations volunteer and former RVN Sarah Lowe helped produce the module. She explains: “Birds of prey in the wild are vulnerable to illness and injury through natural causes, but they are also targeted by illegal poisoning, shooting and trapping. Even if exotics and wildlife isn’t their particular interest or specialism, we would encourage all UK veterinary professionals to give this a go – it’s two hours’ free CPD and could really help them with their work one day, as well as helping wildlife and the community.”
How you can help: If your friend, neighbour or family member works in a veterinary practice, please share with them this link: A free course on bird of prey crime for veterinary professionals to let them know where they can register for the free module.
As ever, if you find a dead or injured bird of prey in suspicious circumstances, please report it to the police on 101 and inform crime@rspb.org.uk, including as much detail as possible.