Edinburgh Napier University

  It has been estimated that over the course of the last century the water vole (Arvicola amphibius) has undergone a range decline in mainland Britain in excess of 90%. This species is considered as requiring significant national conservation concern and action in Scotland, England and Wales (Strachan & Moorhouse 2006). Concerted attempts are now being made to breed water voles in captivity for release projects in Britain. Water vole captive breeding and release projects to date have involved inconsistent health screening procedures, and current conservation management guidelines for this species provide limited veterinary screening recommendations. This project team was tasked with designing and carrying out pre-release health plans to prevent introduction of novel, damaging or zoonotic diseases and so ensure healthy voles were released.