Webinar

Comparing potent opioids in antelope immobilisation protocols

Veterinary professionals
Pharmacists

Wildlife Veterinary Medicine

This webinar examines the use of potent opioids in antelope immobilisation, comparing the pharmacology, effects, and applications of thiafentanil and etorphine across different species. Participants will gain practical insights into optimising immobilisation protocols based on research findings and field experience.
 English only
  Veterinary professionals (target audience), Pharmacists
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Why should I take this course?

  • Understand the pharmacological differences between two of the most commonly used potent opioids in wildlife immobilisation—etorphine and thiafentanil—and how they impact various antelope species
  • Learn how to interpret and apply scientific data related to physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygenation, and recovery scores in real-world field settings
  • Gain critical insights into species-specific responses, drug selection, and safe immobilisation practices, improving both animal welfare and handler safety in wildlife operations

Course Lessons

Meet your instructor

Dr. Silke Pfitzer

Dr. Silke Pfitzer is a specialist wildlife veterinarian with extensive experience in game capture, conservation areas, and zoological institutions worldwide. A crocodile expert, she served as veterinary advisor to the South African Crocodile Farmers Association and completed her master’s research on capture stress in crocodiles. Her PhD focused on the use of potent opioids for immobilising antelope species. She currently lectures in the Department of Nature Conservation at Tshwane University of Technology.