The current state of zoological medicine in zoos and aquariums in Latin America

Abstract

The field of zoological medicine has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly in developed nations. However, developing nations have lagged far behind these advancements. A study was devised to acquire up-to-date information on the current state of zoological medicine in Latin America using an online survey directed to zoo and aquarium professionals. Between February and April of 2016, a survey with 28 questions relevant to zoological medicine was distributed to zoo and aquarium professionals in Latin America. The questions included information about employment conditions, veterinary equipment, protocols and facilities, amongst others. One hundred and two respondents from 66 institutions (58 zoos and eight aquariums) from 15 countries answered the survey. Listservs were used to distribute the survey, which impedes the calculation of percentage response rate. Results show that not all zoos and aquariums in the region have proper facilities, veterinary equipment and supplies to carry out their jobs in an adequate manner. Thirty per cent of the institutions (n = 20 of 66 institutions) do not have an exclusive quarantine area; only 48% (n = 32 of 66 institutions) have X-ray equipment (traditional and/or digital); and 62% (n = 41 of 66 institutions) have an inhalation anaesthesia machine. There are few veterinarians [24% (n = 24 of 101 veterinarians)] in the region with advanced veterinary training (zoological-medicine residency, Master’s degree or PhD) and only 15% (n = 15 of 101) of the veterinarians have published in peer-reviewed journals in the last 5 years. In spite of these findings, 91% (n = 92 of 101) of zoo and aquarium veterinarians in Latin America reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current job. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that zoological facilities and aquariums in Latin America invest in staff training, equipment and facilities to meet the accreditation standards instituted by the wider international zoo and aquariums community.