WildLife Group
of the SAVA
Standard operating procedure -
Clinical Examination of Pangolins
Purpose
The aim of the SOP is to have a user-friendly
document available to clinical veterinarians, nurses,
lab technologists and Biobank samplers for the
examination of pangolins for health checks.
The Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act
No 19 of 1982 as amended, is law that is passed/
approved by parliament and put into operation by the
President by publication in the Government Gazette.
The Act makes provision for delegated law in the form
of Rules and Regulations, which are published in the
Government Gazette in terms of the Act.
Scope
The standard procedure outlines the procedures
to be followed for proper clinical examination and
treatment and medical record keeping on pangolins
and outlines the functions of the veterinary staff.
SOP - Clinical Examination
of Pangolins
Clinical Examinations and Treatments of Pangolins
Confiscated pangolins are wild animals that have
been kept in captivity illegally for some time and
usually in very unfavourable conditions. These
animals are severely stressed, hungry and dehydrated.
The animal’s general health may be compromised
making it not suitable for immediate release into the
wild. During the clinical examination, it is therefore
essential to keep stress levels down such as loud
noises, rough handling, jolting of the container, loud
talking and laughter. On arrival the pangolin must be
weighed.
Health Assessment.
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References
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Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act,
No 19 of 1982, Regulations and Rules.
Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No 35 of 1984)
Animal Protection Act, 1962 (Act No 71 of 1962)
Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies
and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No 36 of
1947)
Medicines and Related Substances Control Act,
1965 (Act No 101 of 1965)
Public Health Amendment Act, 1971 (Act 42 of
1971)
SANS 10379: 2005 Zoo and aquarium practice.
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Visually observe the animal, some may walk
around making it easier to detect defects while
others remain curled up.
Anaesthesia may be induced using Isoflurane and
a mask positioned near the snout of the pangolin
if it is curled up. Once relaxed the snout may be
inserted into the mask to maintain anaesthesia at
3% and oxygen flow rate of 1-2L per minute.
Once the pangolin is anaesthetised it can be
straightened out and inspected more thoroughly
for any wounds, and assess the level of
dehydration using and skin fold.
The sex must be determined. Ultra sound may be
used to determine pregnancy.
Eyes examined for corneal cataracts.
Biobank staff can collect forensic samples and