Mobile Veterinary Service (MVS) project is one of the unique efforts of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to provide in-situ emergency relief to displaced or distressed wild animals. The project envisages placement of trained and equipped wildlife veterinarians in major protected areas across the country to ensure round-the-clock medical attention to wild animals in need. Each MVS comprises of a transport vehicle, a trained wildlife veterinarian, an animal attendant, equipment and supplies.
Wild animals in India are often displaced or injured by natural or man-made factors. Though advanced technology and veterinary knowledge is available, it usually does not reach displaced or distressed animals in the remote wilds of India. Often with no immediate help at hand, affected animals succumb to their situation because of delays due to inaccessibility and other challenges of getting trained wildlife professionals armed with essential equipment and supplies to the site of the emergency.
The primary aim of an MVS unit is to minimise the crucial time gap between detection of a distressed animal and subsequent veterinary aid. Also, the MVS assumes the responsibility of relocating affected animals to nearest rescue centres or field stations. A vet clinic by itself, each unit is staffed by an experienced wildlife vet and a trained wild animal handler cum driver. The MVS is equipped to deal with a wide range of wildlife emergencies and undertake rescue operations in trying conditions
Apart from its primary goal of providing emergency relief to individual wild animals, MVS assists State Forest Departments in conflict animal management, disease investigation operations during epidemics or sporadic deaths, livestock immunization to prevent disease transmission and care of captive animals. Besides quick and effective handling of wildlife emergencies, the MVS also helps spread conservation awareness in villages fringing forest areas through its presence and its activities.
