Wildlife rehabilitators at the front line of disease: Avian influenza in mammals and biosecurity protocols in rehabilitation.

It has been a difficult year for wildlife. From forest fires, floods, and disease, wildlife (and humans) has endured significant challenges. Wildlife rehabilitators play a vital role in working at the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment through the One Health framework. Rehabilitators are on the front lines in terms of recognizing, reporting, and managing infections in wildlife rehabilitation settings. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a devastating virus that causes disease in a multitude of species. While initially thought to primarily be found in avian species, wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians were the first to discover several mammals that also became infected with HPAI. Clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and treatment (or euthanasia) are discussed in the context of wildlife rehabilitation. Biosecurity practices in wildlife rehabilitation centres remain paramount to the overall health of wild animals in temporary captivity.

Sherri Cox

Avian influenza in mammals, pandemic preparedness, and one health