About IWAH
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), The Royal Veterinary College, The University of Edinburgh (UoE), The University of Melbourne (UoM), Toronto Zoo, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) have been motivated to run this course in recognition of the need to conserve globally important biodiversity in South Asia, East Africa, and other biodiverse areas, which are also a hotspot for wildlife diseases and conflict. These wildlife diseases are relatively unstudied and unchecked, therefore is an important need for greater expertise in, and greater numbers of, wildlife health professionals to tackle them. Such wildlife health professionals are needed to undertake interventions in the health, welfare and conservation of wild animals, to investigate emerging infectious diseases and to ensure human well-being.
Programme
Subjects
Wild Animal population monitoring
Wildlife Health and Field Disease Investigation
Wildlife Crime and Forensic Investigation
Wild Animal Restraint and Anaesthesia
Participants will carry out a variety of practical and theoretical work, where they are given as many chances as possible to have a hands-on learning experience. Tuition will be carried out in the field to develop skills in human-livestock wildlife conflict management, disease outbreak investigation, forensic investigation and monitoring of the health of declining species. It will include techniques for field monitoring of wildlife (using a range of techniques including animal tracks and signs, dung/pellet identification and quantification, census techniques, camera trapping, and radio telemetry), biological management, visual health monitoring of free-living animals, best practice in wild animal anaesthesia techniques, demonstration and hands-on practice, clinical examination in the field, sampling techniques for infectious disease screening, pathological examination in the field, and disease surveillance scenarios.
Example Programme
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to first night hotel
Group dinner at the hotel
Days 2 & 3
Travel to main accommodation and teaching location
Introductions from staff and students
Welcome dinner
Introduction to the course and field orientation visit
Days 4 & 5
Lectures and practical sessions on wild animal population monitoring
Practical sessions include camera trapping, radio telemetry, sign survey and line transects
Days 6 & 7
Lectures and practical sessions on field disease investigation
Investigation of a mock disease outbreak scenario in the field
Preparation, planning, and delivery of a pathological examination in a field setting
Days 8 & 9
Sessions covering aspects of the human-wildlife interface, including engagement with local communities
Day 10
Lectures and practical sessions on aquatic animal biology and disease investigation
Practical sessions including amphibian capture techniques and population monitoring
Day 11
Lecture and practical sessions on wildlife crime and forensics
Practical sessions include an identification session of wildlife parts and products, and mock crime scene investigation and management
Day 12
Day off with optional trip offsite to local sites of interest
Days 13, 14 & 15
Lectures and practical sessions on best practical wild animal restraint and anaesthesia
Practical sessions include restraint and anaesthesia of free-living wildlife, and darting from a moving vehicle
Day 16
Handling and identification of local species, covering a variety of taxa
Multiple choice question assessment
Day 17
Individual presentations on relevant case studies
End of course awards ceremony and farewell social event
Day 18
Departure for airport
Timing
The IWAH 2026 programme will run in February 2026.
Exact dates to be announced at a later date.
Assessment
Written assignment, Field skill evaluation.
Eligibility & Costs
Candidates ideally have a recognised veterinary qualification to attend this course. Veterinary students in their clinical years of study may be considered if spaces become available.
MVetSci Conservation
Medicine Students
This course may be taken as an elective course within the Conservation Medicine MVetSci.
Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) Students
A number of places are also available for veterinarians who are not enrolled in the Conservation Medicine programme and wish to apply as CPD candidates.
Course fee for CPD students a total of
£3599
Please register your interest for 2026 by contacting us below!
Course Location 2026 – Rajasthan, India
Exact location to be announced at a later date
Rajasthan, known as the "Land of Kings" and India's largest desert state, is a captivating destination in northern India that mesmerise travellers from around the world. The state presents a harmonious blend of lively cities, hospitable locals, exquisite cuisine, majestic palaces, and grand forts. Rajasthan offers a perfect travel experience, seamlessly fusing timeless allure with contemporary charm. This enchanting state beckons you with a symphony of vibrant cultures, a canvas painted with tales of valour, and landscapes that will steal your heart.
Course Organisers
Dr Amanda Guthrie
Head of Wildlife Health Services
Zoological Society of London
Dr Alexandra Thomas
Wildlife Health Bridge Course Manager
Zoological Society of London
Previous Collaborators
Stories
2nd March 2025 – by Drs Mercy Chagara and Amy Sledziona
A Day in the Life of a Wildlife Veterinarian Trainee: Observing the Darting and Health Check of a Common Zebra by Mercy As the sun rises over the savannah, casting…
Read More
For news and updates
If you are interested in receiving updates about the course including dates and locations please sign up using this form
Applications
If you are eligible and wish to apply for a space on our 2026 course please contact us at WildlifeHealthBridge@ioz.ac.uk.
Please include your name, qualifications, and a copy of your CV so we can confirm eligibility.