WRAS Starts Wildlife CPD Programme for Local Vets

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has started providing new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for local veterinary teams — helping strengthen wildlife care across the county.

The first session of 2026 saw the team from Pet Doctors Seaford spend a hands-on morning at the WRAS Casualty Centre, working alongside WRAS Lead Veterinary Surgeon Jasmin to gain specialist training in wildlife assessment and treatment.

Each year, thousands of injured wild animals are presented to veterinary practices across East Sussex before being transferred to WRAS for ongoing care. By offering practical CPD sessions, WRAS aims to give vets and nurses greater confidence in handling, examining and stabilising wildlife cases at first presentation.

The session covered safe wildlife handling, clinical examination of birds and mammals, interpreting radiographs including avian wing fractures, and understanding species-specific diseases and welfare considerations. Species discussed included foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and native birds.

Student Veterinary Nurse Emma Lee from Pet Doctors Seaford said:

“Thank you so much for allowing Sadie-Mae and I to visit. We both had a really great time — it was very insightful and we learnt a lot.”

WRAS Operations Director Harriet Leppard said:

“Wildlife casualties arrive at veterinary practices across the county every day. By sharing our specialist experience, we can support local vets to feel confident when these cases present. Ultimately, this collaboration improves outcomes for wildlife throughout East Sussex.”

WRAS handles almost 7,000 wildlife casualties each year, making it one of the busiest wildlife rescue organisations in the South East. The charity works closely with veterinary practices to ensure injured animals receive prompt treatment and appropriate rehabilitation.

For further information, contact: admin@eastsussexwras.org.uk www.wildlifeambulance.org