The conservation-focused decision-science team at ZSL use wildlife disease surveillance to support the health and welfare assessments of species involved in conservation reintroductions and translocations. This work spans a broad range of taxa, such as Eurasian beavers, white-tailed sea eagles, and pool frogs. The surveillance programme feeds into models that help assess the risks and benefits of population-specific conservation actions.

At the conference, Dylan will carry out a live-streamed post-mortem examination of a Eurasian beaver submitted through Natural England’s ongoing surveillance programme. The animal had been found dead and was either translocated from another wild population or wild-born in the UK.

The demonstration will show how post-mortem investigations contribute to wildlife health monitoring through reporting causes of death and collecting samples for further testing. Infectious disease testing includes zoonotic and non-endemic pathogens and non-infectious disease testing like ecotoxicology.

The session will include an introduction to the individual being examined and an overview of the samples collected, followed by a summary of the key findings and how further testing can inform our understanding of both individual and population health.

Step behind the scenes at the Royal Veterinary College and experience the fascinating world of veterinary anatomy.

This guided Anatomy Tour offers a rare opportunity to explore world-class teaching facilities, including the dissection room, historic demonstration theatre, and remarkable Anatomy Museum, home to an exceptional collection of anatomical specimens.

You'll also see the preserved skeletons of legendary horses Foxhunter and Hermit while learning from expert members of the RVC Anatomy Team.

This unique tour promises an engaging, educational, and unforgettable experience. Book your place today and discover the incredible stories hidden beneath the surface.

In his current role as Head of the Graduate School at the Royal Veterinary College Ken has responsibility for the postgraduate research students and he fondly recalls the comradeship of the AVTRW when he was a postgraduate research student himself.

In his after dinner speech Ken will say a little about the long history of the AVTRW and its importance to early career researchers and new teaching faculty. Ken started attending AVTRW meetings in Scarborough in the 1990s and now enjoys the rotation of meetings across the veterinary schools.

The friendly atmosphere of the meetings were very special in building confidence and networks early in research and teaching careers and the Association has been the foundation of generations of research success and innovations in teaching.

After the conference commences on Friday afternoon, attendees will have the opportunity to explore and discover ZSL.

This is the perfect time to network with other attendees in small groups, with a self-guided tour that lets you explore at your own pace.

Whether you're captivated by endangered species, curious about animal behaviour, it's an opportunity to get to know others in the AVTRW community and learn more about the natural world while supporting one of the world's leading conservation organisations.