Veterinary scene down under: Rhino Connect's veterinary program, and the latest on H5N1 in Australia

In 2023, just prior to graduating as a veterinarian from Murdoch University in Perth, Megan Rawlings, BSc, DVM, undertook a veterinary student practical placement in South Africa with renowned wildlife veterinarian Morné de la Rey, BVSc, from Rhino Repro, and the experience inspired her to set up a wildlife conservation education and training opportunity for veterinary professionals.

“During those 2 weeks of my placement with Morné and his team, I was immersed in wildlife anesthesia, rhinoceros’ reproduction, and groundbreaking rhino IVF research. While observing a rhino ovum pick-up procedure, I met Rhino Connect founder Tersia Jooste and director Jens Lievens, BSc, MS. They invited me to visit their sanctuary, where injured, orphaned and vulnerable rhinos are given a second chance. There, I met a young orphaned rhino calf in intensive care. Watching the dedication required to save a species pushed to the brink of extinction was a defining moment in my developing career,” explained Rawlings to dvm360®.

“Standing beside that calf, I knew I wanted to contribute. Then and there I proposed creating a veterinary education program with Rhino Connect that would connect aspiring wildlife veterinarians with frontline conservation efforts. Just a few months later in August 2023, our first group of students arrived in South Africa. Today, the program welcomes multiple groups annually from Australia and Europe, creating opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians to become actively involved in rhino conservation.”

The non-profit Rhino Connect organization was founded in 2016 to support the protection and preservation of rhinos across South Africa. Rhino Connect assists private rhino owners through veterinary support, anti-poaching initiatives, orphan care, milk provision for calves, and the relocation of rhinos from high-risk areas.

Recognizing that conservation depends on education as much as intervention, Rhino Connect expanded into veterinary and conservation training through the Rhino Connect Veterinary Program.

“Participants spend 12 days learning from some of South Africa's leading wildlife veterinarians while living and working at a rhino sanctuary. They assist with the care of orphaned calves, treatment of injured wildlife, wildlife immobilization procedures, conservation medicine, and anti-poaching canine operations. Participants also have the unique opportunity to observe and contribute to rhino IVF research led by [Morné de la Rey], 1 of only 2 teams worldwide advancing this critical work,” said Rawlings.

“The importance of Rhino Connect's work cannot be overstated. Rhinos continue to face relentless pressure from poaching, with many experts warning that without significant intervention their future remains uncertain. Private rhino owners now play a vital role in safeguarding a large proportion of South Africa's rhino population, yet they often carry the enormous financial burden of veterinary care, security, relocation and habitat management without government assistance.”

Every participant in Rhino Connect’s veterinary program contributes directly to conservation outcomes, with program fees helping to fund veterinary procedures, anti-poaching initiatives, orphan care and the relocation of rhinos to safer environments.

“In this way, education becomes conservation in action.Opportunities are available for veterinarians, veterinary nurses and technicians, veterinary students, conservation volunteers and wildlife researchers. Every person who joins the program becomes part of something much larger than themselves. They become part of a global effort to ensure that rhinos are remembered not as a species we lost, but as one we chose to save,” explained Rawlings.

“My vision is to build a global community united by one purpose, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where rhinos and other wildlife still exist. Over the coming years, we aim to expand our educational programs internationally, particularly into North America, additional European countries and Australia wide, while continuing to strengthen our partnerships with universities and veterinary institutions worldwide.”

Rawlings also shared that Rhino Connect’s broader goal is to extend their offering beyond training veterinary professionals.

“We want to inspire conservation leaders, support innovative research such as rhino IVF, provide meaningful assistance to rhino owners, and contribute to securing a future for one of the world's most iconic and threatened species,” said Rawlings.

H5 Bird flu in Australia

The number of cases of H5 avian influenza confirmed in Australia continue to grow, with over 400 positive events recorded to the end of August. Various avian species have been amongst the positive cases, including Greater Crested Terns, Silver Gulls, Brown Falcons and Southern Boobook.

There have also been positive cases in Little Penguins, Long-nosed Fur Seals, Red Foxes – which are a feral species in Australia, and a Common Bottlenose Dolphin. In mid-August the Australian Government changed reporting to now be based on events rather than individual detections - with an event involving one or more animals.

Bird flu vaccination in Australia is currently restricted to targeted rare, endangered, and captive native wildlife. This includes in the state of Victoria, where a large vaccination trial is underway for wild Little Penguins on Phillip Island, which it is hoped will protect the vulnerable population.

Further information and the latest bird flu updates are available at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu