Influences on veterinary professionals to perform wildlife medicine in the United Kingdom: A qualitative multifocal study
4 affiliations
- 1Department of Conservation Medicine, Division of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- 2Capital Veterinary Services, East Lothian, United Kingdom
- 3Department of One Health, Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- 4Department of One Health Centre in Africa (OHRECA), International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Introduction: In the United Kingdom (UK) thousands of wild animals enter veterinary clinics and wildlife centres requiring medical support and rehabilitation care due to natural and anthropogenic diseases and injuries. The objectives of this empirical research were to survey veterinary professionals, wildlife centre personnel and academic educators to explore the influences of culture, working relationships, education and professional obligations on wildlife treatment experienced by the veterinary community. Methods: A mixed-method of a semi-quantitative survey and qualitative interviews was conducted. Purposive, convenience sampling was used for an online survey which was completed by 409 veterinary participants and 20 veterinary professionals, seven wildlife centre personnel and six academic educators were interviewed. The survey data was analysed descriptively and the interview data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Themes associated with promoting wildlife treatment composed of Competency, Motivation and Collaborations. Themes associated with inhibiting wildlife treatment consisted of Uncertainty, Lack of Resources and Conflicts. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) had an influential role on both promoter and inhibitor themes. Conclusion: A proactive wildlife medicine culture in the UK would benefit from the recognition and promotion of the values and benefits of working with wildlife. Starting with the inclusion of wildlife medicine to veterinary curricular. Support and communication within and between veterinary practices and wildlife centres to utilitise resources and information, develop networks and mitigate challenges to promote competency, motivation and collaboration. With support from the RCVS to refine educational and professional standards and enforce the regulation of the veterinary community in their provision of wildlife medicine.
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BibTeX
@article{lang2026influences,
title = {{Influences on veterinary professionals to perform wildlife medicine in the United Kingdom: A qualitative multifocal study}},
author = {Rebecca Lang and Elizabeth Mullineaux and Lian Thomas},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0341752},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341752},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Influences on veterinary professionals to perform wildlife medicine in the United Kingdom: A qualitative multifocal study
AU - Rebecca Lang
AU - Elizabeth Mullineaux
AU - Lian Thomas
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/27
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0341752
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341752
AB - Introduction: In the United Kingdom (UK) thousands of wild animals enter veterinary clinics and wildlife centres requiring medical support and rehabilitation care due to natural and anthropogenic diseases and injuries. The objectives of this empirical research were to survey veterinary professionals, wildlife centre personnel and academic educators to explore the influences of culture, working relationships, education and professional obligations on wildlife treatment experienced by the veterinary community. Methods: A mixed-method of a semi-quantitative survey and qualitative interviews was conducted. Purposive, convenience sampling was used for an online survey which was completed by 409 veterinary participants and 20 veterinary professionals, seven wildlife centre personnel and six academic educators were interviewed. The survey data was analysed descriptively and the interview data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Themes associated with promoting wildlife treatment composed of Competency, Motivation and Collaborations. Themes associated with inhibiting wildlife treatment consisted of Uncertainty, Lack of Resources and Conflicts. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) had an influential role on both promoter and inhibitor themes. Conclusion: A proactive wildlife medicine culture in the UK would benefit from the recognition and promotion of the values and benefits of working with wildlife. Starting with the inclusion of wildlife medicine to veterinary curricular. Support and communication within and between veterinary practices and wildlife centres to utilitise resources and information, develop networks and mitigate challenges to promote competency, motivation and collaboration. With support from the RCVS to refine educational and professional standards and enforce the regulation of the veterinary community in their provision of wildlife medicine.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -