J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2023 May-Jun;63(3):825-831. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.01.008. Epub 2023 Jan 18.
The importance of wildlife health has been critically emphasized by the current global pandemic. Pharmacists play a valuable role in the health care of companion animals and livestock; however, their involvement in exotic animal health is largely unexplored.
This project consulted with zoo vets in New Zealand and investigated their practices around prescribing and dispensing of medicines to explore the opportunities for the involvement of pharmacists.
A mixed methods approach was used where data were initially collected through an online survey distributed to 26 veterinarians and animal keepers working in zoos, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries. An optional semistructured interview followed the survey.
The facilities surveyed housed New Zealand native animal species and 85% also housed exotic animals. Veterinarians dispensed 75% of medicines at their animal facility, whereas the remaining 25% were dispensed by veterinary nurses. On average, 5-10 medications were dispensed at each animal facility per day. Common medicines dispensed were antibiotics, pain relievers, and antifungals. Most respondents felt that they could benefit from working alongside pharmacists in veterinary care. Compounding, access to medicines and identification of tailored formulations were identified as areas where collaboration would be valued. Limitations in the knowledge of pharmacists in animal medicine were distinguished as an area enhancement to assist in collaborative relationships.
There are opportunities for the skills of pharmacists to be incorporated into the care of animals in zoos and wildlife parks in New Zealand. Strengthening the pharmacist-veterinarian relationship can enhance the health outcomes of animals in animal facilities through this interprofessional interaction.
当前的全球大流行病凸显了野生动物健康的重要性。药剂师在伴侣动物和牲畜的医疗保健中发挥着重要作用；然而，他们在异国动物健康方面的参与在很大程度上尚未得到探索。
本项目咨询了新西兰的动物园兽医，并调查了他们在给动物开处方和配药方面的做法，以探讨药剂师参与的机会。
采用混合方法，最初通过在线调查收集数据，该调查分发给 26 名在动物园、野生动物公园和保护区工作的兽医和动物饲养员。调查后进行了可选的半结构化访谈。
接受调查的设施饲养了新西兰本土动物物种，85%的设施还饲养了外来动物。兽医在其动物设施中配药 75%，其余 25%由兽医护士配药。平均每天每个动物设施配药 5-10 种。常见的配药药物包括抗生素、止痛药和抗真菌药。大多数受访者认为，他们可以从兽医护理中与药剂师合作中受益。药剂师在配药、获取药物和确定定制配方方面的专业知识被认为是有价值的合作领域。动物医学方面的药剂师知识有限，被认为是需要加强的领域，以协助建立合作关系。
在新西兰的动物园和野生动物公园中，有机会将药剂师的技能纳入动物护理中。加强药剂师与兽医的关系可以通过这种专业间的互动，提高动物设施中动物的健康结果。
