Print Page | Close Window

GCN brought to vet

Printed From: Reptiles and Amphibians of the UK
Category: Herpetofauna Native to the UK
Forum Name: Great Crested Newt
Forum Description: Forum for all issues concerning Triturus cristatus
URL: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5181
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 9:50pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: GCN brought to vet
Posted By: herpvet
Subject: GCN brought to vet
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2017 at 2:03pm
Apologies this is a bit second hand - I am an exotic animals vet and have been contacted by the RSPCA.
Situation is that a member of the public dropped 2 GCN off at a vets (not me) as he was doing building work. Obvious legal breach but he didn't leave any details.
So we do not know where the newts came from, only Reading area. Apparently Natural England not much help - said release ASAP but RSPCA officer understandably and correctly (in my view) reluctant to do so in view of risk of transmitting disease, given origin not known. RSPCA officer waiting for reply from New Forest Reptile Centre as a possible destination, but failing that...
I've been asked to health check them. Since clinical exam will likely not be definitive, I plan on running chytrid (dendrobatidis and salamandrivorans) and ranavirus PCR tests on them. If they are clear, then release would seem reasonable (any comments?). Given that, does anyone know any GCN populations/sites in the Reading area where they could be released?
Thanks for any comments/advice.


-------------
Bruce Maclean, HerpVet (veterinary) Services, Oxford.



Replies:
Posted By: Iowarth
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2017 at 5:57pm
Hi Bruce

Well done. I agree that the RSPCA were correct in this case. It is very good of you to undertake these tests which are certainly the essential ones.

So far as release is concerned, if no-one in the forum can come up with an answer I would suggest that you try contacting Dorothy Driver ( mailto:dorothy.driver@arc-trust.org" rel="nofollow - dorothy.driver@arc-trust.org ) who is the GCN Species Officer with Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. She should be able to confirm the advisability of release and may also know of suitable local sites to you.
If she does not then, subject to release being agreed, if you contact the Berkshire Amphibian & Reptile Group for whom Andy Glencross ( mailto:Andy.Glencross@wokingham.gov.uk" rel="nofollow - Andy.Glencross@wokingham.gov.uk ) is the contact they are almost certain to be able to help.

All the best
Chris


-------------
Chris Davis, Site Administrator

Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme (RETIRED)


Posted By: herpvet
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 6:38am
Hi Chris,

Thanks for that, will get in touch with them.

Best wishes,

Bruce


-------------
Bruce Maclean, HerpVet (veterinary) Services, Oxford.



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2016 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.co.uk