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Pennard Vets appoints new exotics lead
Veterinary surgeon Mark Rowland, who specialises in treating exotic animals, has been appointed by Pennard Vets.
Mark Rowland to join independent vet group.

Independent veterinary group Pennard Vets has appointed a new lead for its exotics department.

Mark Rowland, Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine, qualified from Liverpool University in 1996, and has spent 25 years in practice. 

Achieving the Royal College Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2007, Mark is renowned in the industry for his exotics knowledge, and has lectured both in the UK and internationally on the subject.

Pennard Vets director Andy Green discussed Mark's credentials: “Mark is the most qualified vet in the South East of England working in exotics, and we are delighted he is bringing so much experience to Pennard Vets. 

“We hope to become the go-to practice for all exotic pets in the South-East and believe that our new and existing clients will all benefit from Mark’s unique and thoughtful approach to veterinary care.”

Celebrating his new appointment, Mark said: “As well as treating dogs, cats and small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs, I’ve always been interested in caring for insects, fish, tortoises, birds, parrots, reptiles, and all other exotic pets.

“Exotic pets can suffer with all sorts of problems, including respiratory issues and hibernation complications, as well as accidents and injuries. Birds of prey for example can often hurt themselves needing urgent treatment, and each day brings new challenges. I have treated  tortoises  that had been attacked by dogs  and a fish that had swallowed a huge pebble – no case is ever the same!

“I’m really pleased to be joining Pennard Vets, which has seven sites across Kent, and is owned by its employees, which made it a particularly attractive place to join, as I now also own a stake in the business and can help shape the future of it. 

“I can’t wait to meet our clients and their pets and hope to make a real difference to their lives.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.