Medford, OR – In response to rising concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Wildlife Images, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center, has raised its disease prevention protocols to level three. This decision comes as part of the center’s efforts to safeguard its animals, particularly its ambassador birds, and to minimize the risk of the virus spreading.
So far, no cases of HPAI have been detected at Wildlife Images, but the organization is taking extra precautions to protect its wildlife population. These measures include additional steps to prevent cross-contamination between birds and mammals, as well as temporarily removing the ambassador birds from public display to minimize potential exposure.
“We’re trying everything to keep our ambassadors as safe as possible,” said Clinic Lead Lily Trimble. “This includes wearing booties, using foot-baths, changing clothes when necessary, and wearing gowns and personal protective equipment (PPE).”
In an effort to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, birds suspected of having avian flu will be euthanized, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture will be notified. These precautions align with the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings.
While no human-to-human transmission of avian flu has been reported, Wildlife Images is taking these extra steps to ensure the safety of both the public and its staff. The clinic remains open and continues to accept injured or sick birds, but the heightened protocol will remain in place as the organization monitors the situation closely.
HPAI, a highly contagious and often deadly disease, poses a significant threat to wild bird populations. Wildlife rehabilitation centers like Wildlife Images play a crucial role in caring for these birds, and ensuring that the disease does not spread further is of utmost importance. As the flu season progresses, the nonprofit will continue to adapt its protocols in response to new developments.