ANSWERS

1. List 8 considerations to be taken into account when handling wildlife.
   
   • Wild animals are particularly susceptible to shock since they are not accustomed to being handled by humans.
   • Beware of being bitten or scratched since wild animals may attack the handler due to fear.
   • Wildlife should be hospitalised away from domestic pets to avoid transmission of disease and parasites.
   • Use barrier nursing techniques due to the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases.
   • Try to provide an environment and diet as close to that which the animal is accustomed to in the wild.
   • Wild animals should not be unnecessarily handled/tamed since release back to the wild should be the ultimate goal.
   • Always take a note of the location from which an injured wild animal was found, since it should be released as near to this site as is safe once treatment has been successful.
   • Uninjured "stray" baby animals are often brought to the surgery; these should be immediately returned to the location from where they were found - young wildlife stand a far better chance left to nature than by rearing in captivity especially as many are mistaken for orphans but actually have a worried mother searching for them.
2. Name a zoonotic disease associated with the fox.
   Leptospirosis.
3. What is a fox's home known as?
   A lair.
4. What are the correct terms used to describe male, female and young foxes?
   • Male - dog.
   • Female - vixen.
   • Young - cub.
5. Describe suitable hospitalisation facilities for an injured fox.
   
   • Isolated kennel (away from noise and other animals).
   • Bedding of newspaper, plenty of shredded paper in which to nest and old towels/blankets which may be thrown away after use.
   • A wildlife ward undercover but outdoors is ideal since foxes are not used to the heat from an indoor atmosphere, and in addition The smell of fox is quite pungent.
   • Provide a dark hiding area by covering part of the kennel.
   • Offer fresh water and a suitable carnivorous diet.
   • Inpatient records should be completed as for any domestic patient since it is important that any medication is given at the correct dose and time.
6. The hedgehog is traditionally fed bread and milk. Explain why this diet is unsuitable.
   Hedgehogs are insectivorous and in the wild eat beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs and snails. A hospitalised patient would benefit from a meat-based diet (canned cat or dog food) that is more akin to the natural diet. A good quality protein source of a high biological value is beneficial to wound healing.
7. List parasites that commonly affect the hedgehog.
   
   • Nematodes
   • Ticks (the Hedgehog Tick = Ixodes hexagonus)
   • Fleas
8. Name a zoonotic disease associated with the badger.
   Tuberculosis.
9. What is a badger's home known as?
   A sett.