Briefing document for vets.

[Mike Priaulx]

Hi all,

Here is a reminder about the briefing note for veterinary practices, developed by the SLN's Swifts & Planning Group back in 2021 (but still up-to-date I think) with some additional expert advice.

As the hirundines are starting to arrive, Sand Martins in particular but the others won't be long, we thought it was a good time to recirculate it.

In previous years many members of the SLN were kind enough to forward the document on to their local vets (amazing coverage in some areas, but even one practice is welcome) and we got some very positive feedback,

so we're hoping that you can do this again,

and perhaps some additional members might participate to get wider coverage.

I have attached a PDF but for those receiving via the daily digest, the document is in the SLN library at the following link, it's in the Veterinary/ Carers folder:

http://tinyurl.com/SLNlibrary

Here also is a direct link to it:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NVsyLPw-yryCcLGn0pRrsP-n7WlydtlC/view

A reminder that the document was developed following cases where vets received grounded birds from the public and did not take the best course of action, despite carers being available if the vets had been aware of the Swift Conservation list.

We suggest that individuals email this document to their local veterinary practice - if possible local group leaders may co-ordinate so that all vets in their area receive a copy.

We suggest you include a cover email to the vets stating something like:

Please find attached a guide to dealing with Swifts and similar species of wild birds which may be brought into your practice by the public.

There is a network of carers who are able to provide advice and, in many cases, collect the birds for rehabilitation. We provide details of how to contact them, as well as how to best look after the birds when they first arrive at your practice.

Any questions at all please let me know?

Could you tell me directly if you have sent it, and to which practices? Please email me at swifts....@gmail.com

Many thanks,

Mike

Member of SLN Swifts & Planning Group

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Mike Priaulx <michael...@yahoo.com>

Date: Thu, Apr 3, 2025 at 1:01 PM

Subject: Briefing document for vets.

To: Digest recipients <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>

Hi all,

Here is a reminder about the briefing note for veterinary practices, developed by the SLN's Swifts & Planning Group back in 2021 (but still up-to-date I think) with some additional expert advice.

[Mike Priaulx]

Hi John,

Thanks for the link.

All,

Note that the briefing note for vets is just for emergency care before an approved rehabilitator takes over.

Swifts and hirundines require specialist care so I understand the procedure if you find one grounded is:

If on Facebook, initially follow Swift Conservation First Aid advice (https://www.swift-conservation.org/SwiftFirstAid.htm ),

then post a photo and your post-code to the Swift & Swallow SOS- group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/swiftsos/ ).

I think this is the best option if the finder's on Facebook, as it's better co-ordinated and saves duplication.

(NB The Facebook SOS group are looking for volunteer Swift Taxis, well worth doing if you can. In London many of us don't have cars & use the bus/ tube!)

If not on Facebook, there is a list of approved carers on the Swift Conservation First Aid page (https://www.swift-conservation.org/SwiftFirstAid.htm ).

House Martin Conservation UK & Ireland have an excellent rehabilitation page with a list of emergency contacts (https://housemartinconservation.com/rehabilitation ).

Hope I got that right.

All the best,

Mike

+++

Digest for swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com - 3 updates in 3 topics

johnswil...@blueyonder.co.uk: Mar 03 04:35PM

"Briefing document for Vets"

There is full advice om hand rearing by Enric Fusté on http://falciotnegre.com/

and I recall Gillian Westray produced a disk of guidance.

John Wilson