FAQ: During the quarantine period, what were the beavers tested for and what were the results?
All beavers arriving from Norway were subjected to the statuary rabies quarantine of 6 months. This is a DEFRA requirement for all mammals entering the UK. During this time all the beavers were monitored and blood and faeces were collected for additional veterinary tests. Faecal samples were tested for general parasite loads while blood samples were obtained where possible to assess blood biochemistry, haematology and white blood cell counts.
Blood results were compared to reference ranges for Castor fiber and Castor canadensis, although some blood values were outside the reference range, none were deemed as prohibitive for release.
Faecal samples submitted for parasitology found that the beavers do carry nematodes and animals tested positive for the beaver fluke Stichorchis subtriquetrus. This fluke or trematode is a parasite that occurs naturally in beavers and is host specific to the genus Castor.
Prior to release all beavers were subjected to a visual inspection or clinical examination to assess skin and body condition as well as dental and skeletal abnormalities.
Read the summary report prepared by Overseeing Vet, Gidona Goodman.
