A Big Excited Greeting to You All!!!

Excited because the conference committee is in full swing readying our exciting line up for 2015!!! If you were planning to submit a scholarship application, better snap to it!! Deadline is June 13th and they must be complete to be considered. Don’t forget a letter from your rehabber, if you are not permitted. You can look at the previous year’s post- con-ference newsletters for reports from scholarship recipients on the great time they had and what getting selected meant to them!! Even if you have gotten one before, you can still apply! First time applicants will take precedence, but some years we do not get enough applications, so you never know!! It is sure to be another great conference, not to be missed!! So start squirreling away, only $3/day will get you there!! That is less than a pack of cigarettes!! You have almost 15 weeks until September 24th rolls around, so if you have slacked on saving up, it’s not too late!! Our board has worked very hard to keep the price affordable. We all pay registration to help achieve this great low price. Your registration in-cludes lodging, three meals a day, a hospitality room with snacks available 24 hours a day, classes, workshops, nightly social events including take-home arts and crafts night, and the banquet which includes the auction and Chinese raffle!! All for a low low price!! There is no conference anywhere else in the world that’s offers so much for less than $350!! You couldn’t even stay three nights in a hotel for the price of registration!! So come rejuvenate, learn, and refresh yourself in September!! You will be surprised at the difference socializ-ing with other like-minded individuals can make in your life!! We all work hard and this is an opportunity to recharge your batteries!! I hope to see you all there!!

Hurricane season just started, so preparedness is vital!! Remember to have a plan and PRACTICE the plan!! A plan is no good if everyone is not aware and on the same page. This is key to surviving a devastating event like a flood or hurricane with minimal losses. There is a very good article in the Fall 2013 newsletter as a refresher http://www.fwra.org/newsletter/pdfs/FWRA%20Newsletter%20Fall%202013%20Online.pdf Also please remember to update your FWRA emergency contact info for hurricane season. Email info@fwra.org to update your information so we can check on you in the event your area gets hit with a storm. In recent nationwide news, highly pathogenic avian influenza is moving east and is projected to reach Florida by mid-summer, early August. Hygiene is most important when dealing with captive and rehab birds. Use of good hygiene and foot baths is highly recommended to prevent the spread of infection. Bleach is adequate to kill the virus. Foot traffic and fomites, along with rodent infestations, have been shown to be factors in the spread of the disease. You may want to check your food sources and stock up on chicks for your raptors before the summer; just in case there is a shortage of supply due to culling of poultry or to avoid accidental feeding of infected chicks.

This and other current newsworthy topics that we cover in our board meetings can be found in this issue. I am so excited for September!! FWRA’s 27th annual conference will again be in beautiful centrally located Haines City at the FFA Leadership Center September 24-27th, 2015. We really love this conference center’s location and ability to meet our needs and numbers. If you have never been there yet, it’s on beautiful Lake Pierce with lots of wildlife to spot from eagles and Sandhill Cranes to wild turkeys and deer! Truly a gorgeous setting to recharge your batteries; hope to see you in September!!

Thanks for doing all that you do!! It can be a tough and thankless job at times being a rehabber, but every success story makes it all worthwhile.

Be safe this storm season!

Warmest Regards,

Beth Hirschfeld DVM, CVA, VMOPresident FWRA

Printed Quarterly – Spring • Summer • Fall • Winter 2015 • Volume 24, No. 2

Page 2

Bits and Blurbs ...UGA Researcher Develops Bird Flu Vaccine Using Virus Commonly Found In Dogs

Researchers at the University of Georgia have used a virus generally found in dogs as the basis for a new vaccine against H7N9 influenza, more commonly known as the bird flu. The vaccine was created by adding small sections of the H7N9 genes to a known canine parainfluenza virus that is harmless in humans. While the immune system is destroying the harmless parainfluenza virus after inoculation, it is learn-ing to recognize and eventually destroy the H7N9 virus.Results of the experimental vaccine showed 100% of mice vaccinated were protected against H7N9 but unexpectedly that this vaccine worked in a very different way by creating immunity to the virus through an immune mediated response and not the classic vaccine antibodies reaction.http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-05-bird-flu-vaccine-virus-commonly.html

Scientists Identify Tissue-Degrading Enzyme In White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome is a fungal infection that infects the muzzle, ears and wings of hibernating bats. It has been spreading from the northeastern to the central United States at a frightening rate. Despite endless efforts to contain this devastating disease and prevent spreading since its emer-gence in the winter of 2007, over 6 million bats have died.Now scientists are hoping that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Researchers from Brown University and the University of California identified an enzyme in the fungus that causes the infection in bats by destroying collagen and are hoping that identifying the cause will lead to a cure.

http://phys.org/news/2015-05-scientists-tissue-degrading-enzyme-white-nose-syndrome.html

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/05/04/1507082112

Five Years And Counting: Gulf Wildlife In The After-math Of The Deepwater Horizon DisasterApril 20th 2015 started that time of the year again…time to take another look at the health status of the wildlife of the gulf that suffered the disaster named “Deepwater Horizon.”“This report (by the National Wildlife Federation) describes what we know so far about how twenty wildlife species (or groups of species) are faring in the wake of the disaster. It may take years or even decades before the full impacts are known, and more research is clearly needed. In the meantime, restoration of the Gulf ecosystem must become a high prior-ity for the nation.”

http://www.nwf.org/~/media/PDFs/water/2015/Gulf-Wildlife-In-the-Aftermath-of-the-Deepwater-Horizon-Disaster_Five-Years-and-Counting.pdf

FLORIDA WILDLIFE REHABILITA-TORS ASSOCIATION Mission:The Florida Wildlife Rehabilitators As-sociation (FWRA) is a non-profit orga-nization dedicated to the unification, education and dissemination of information to all wildlife rehabilitators in Florida. Purposes:To provide an organizational structure within which various individuals and organizations in-volved in the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife may exchange informa-tion. To provide training and assistance to individuals and organizations involved in the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. To increase public awareness through educa-tional means of and support for the activities of wildlife rehabilitators. To engage in such other activities as are permitted by Florida Law. FWRA Board of DirectorsBeth Hirschfeld, DVM, President Deb Anderson, DVM, Vice PresidentMargaret “Noni” Beck, Vice Pres./SymposiumSue Small, TreasurerDorothy Kaufmann, Secretary Members at Large

Nicole Nemeth, DVM Sonia Hernandez DVMJack Landess, DVM Michael Yabsley MS, PhDDanielle Stanek, DVM Scott Citino, DVM Mark Cunningham, DVM Mike Ruggieri Robert Hess, DVM

Carmen SimontonHector Cruz-Lopez, Ph.D Dave McRuer DVM Martha Mullins, DVMErica Miller, DVMMark Pokras, DVM Dan Wolf, DVM Heather Barron DVM Reinier Munguia

Advisory BoardWinnie BurnsDebbie HelselCarol McCorkleVered Nograd

Phyllis BentonSandra RenneCara Brown Lisa Mabry

Leslie JohnsonGail Straight

Dianna FlyntDan Martinelli

Resource CommitteeBeth Hirschfeld, DVM - Chairperson

Newsletter : Dianna Flynt newsletter@fwra.org

FWRA WEBSITE: www.fwra.org

Webmaster: Reinier MunguiaEMAIL: info@fwra.org

Environmentalists Evaluate the Gulf Five Years after the Spillhttp://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/environmentalists-evaluate-gulf-five-years-after-spill

UAB study suggests oil dispersant used in Gulf oil spill causes lung and gill injuries to humans and aquatic animals.

http://www.uab.edu/news/innovation/item/5923-uab-study-suggests-oil-dispersant-used-in-gulf-oil-spill-causes-lung-and-gill-injuries-to-humans-and-aquatic-animals-also-identifies-protective-enzyme Reports establish tens of millions of gallons of BP oil still in Gulf http://bellona.org/news/fossil-fuels/oil/2015-02-re-ports-establish-tens-millions-gallons-bp-oil-still-gulf

2015 FWRA Conference reportBringing back the Basics; yes, we are dedicating one whole day to bringing back the basics of wildlife rehabilitation. Emily Meredith and Maureen Lilley, RVT, have been teaching basic wildlife rehab with NWRA for years now, and we are bringing them south to join us in September.

Don’t worry. We have lots of advanced rehab pro-graming as well. Renata Schneider, DVM, from South Florida Wildlife Center, will be joining us again this year. We are also bringing in Helene Van Doninck, DVM, of the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Canada. Dr. Donimck will be covering several top-ics including treating lead toxicity in wildlife.

Did you miss our FWRA Raptor Rehab Workshop in February? Don’t worry; we have Samantha Little, CVT, and Beth Lott, both from Audubon Center for Birds of Prey teaching raptor patient case studies.

Have we whetted your appetite yet? We have SO much more in the works; keep an eye on our website for more detailed scheduling as we get things firmed up. We have 3 full days of multiple lectures and work-shops, not to mention our nightly social activities. At FFA Leadership Center we have you covered: classes all day, camaraderie at night, wonderful meals and lodging. The only time you won’t be busy is when you are sleeping or taking an early morning walk to see all the beautiful (healthy) wildlife. Go to www.FWRA.org to sign up.Your FWRA Conference Committee

FWRA Scholarship reportDEADLINE Date for applying for FWRA’s 2015 symposium is June 13th! Be sure that you include all required information and that your membership dues are up-to-date. If you don’t have your own wildlife rehabilitation permit, we need an email or letter from the permitted rehabilitator you work with. FWRA is offering 3 full (value up to $350.00) and up to 3 partial (value up to $180.00) scholarships to FWRA members. Please go to www.fwra.org and fill out the application on line. It will take only a few minutes to fill in the blanks. It will be transmitted on line so you don’t even have to mail it. This is a requirement no matter what your status – volunteer, staff, veterinar-ian, vet tech, biologist, etc. Emails can be sent to treasurer@fwra.org, and our mailing address is FWRA, PO Box 411087, Mel-bourne, FL 32941.

Abbreviations and AcronymsAbbreviations and acronyms sure make life a little easier, that is, if everyone reading them knows what the abbreviation and/or acronym stands for. An abbreviation (from Latin brevis, meaning short) is just a shortcut rather than writing out the whole word or phrase. An ac-ronym is just the initials of several words that form a short-cut name e.g. FWRA (“fa wrah”).

Abbreviations that we rehabbers use are things like “CBC” for Complete Blood Count, see http://www.empr.com/common-medical-abbreviations/sec-tion/1026/ for more useful abbreviations

Acronyms that we rehabbers use are things like “BAEA” for Bald Eagle, see http://www.birdpop.org/pages/birdSpeciesCodes.php Most rehabbers use the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) alpha (alphabetic) codes for species, see https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/MANUAL/speclist.cfm

A must-have reference book for abbreviations is the NWRA Quick Reference edited by E. A. Miller, DVM. It is only 148 pages but loaded with every-thing you need from abbreviations to anatomy. The Glossary is excellent and in alphabetical order; very handy to look up the correct spelling of words like “Erythrocyte” (red blood cell), not to mention all the definitions of nearly 700 usefully words for wildlife rehabilitators.ItisloadedwithTableslikeNestingBirdIdentification,UnitMeasureConversion,DailyCaloricRequires(ofsmallbirds,non-passerinebirdsandmammals)andmanymoreTables.ThechapteronCalculationsisextremelyhandy;it’sanexcellent“go-to”referencebook.Youcanpurchasethissmallbutvitalreferencebookfor$9.50athttp://www.nwrawildlife.org/content/nwra-quick-reference.

Page 3

Page 4

Letter from the Editor Do you want to save all the wildlife? I know we do. Who are we? We are your FWRA Board. And at every Board meeting (we just met at Flamingo Gardens in April), we discuss that along with our regular business. Regular business includes finances, conference planning, (social) media discussions, website/newsletter educational and information dissemination and emergency response prepara-tion. We focus all our discussions with you, our members, in mind. We discuss how we can help you help wildlife, and we discuss wildlife/animal issues. Some of the things we talked about in our Spring Board meeting include: Feral cats: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) published a statement by American As-sociation of Zoological Veterinarians (AAZV) calling for AVMA to change position statement re: feral cats and free ranging cats.

Canine Influenza (H3N8): a canine flu outbreak has sickened at least 1,000 dogs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana. Tests have identified both a new strain of H3N2 that has shown up for the first time from Asia and the H3N8 strain that has circulated in the US since 2004. Both viruses cause persistent coughing, runny nose and fever, and the H3N2 strain has been associated with some deaths. Veterinarians say neither strain is related to bird flu.

Avian influenza: In December of 2014, the state of Washington identified HPAI A H5N8 in a gyrfalcon that had died after eating a wild duck. Several additional identifications of HPAI have been found in the western United States: H5N2, H5N1, and more H5N8 have been identified in states within the Pacific Flyway (include California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Nevada and Washington). In late February, there was a large die-off of turkeys on a turkey farm in Pope County, Minnesota, where H5N2 was found. This is the first recent HPAI to be identified in the Mississippi Flyway. H5N2 was also identified at tur-key farms in Missouri and Arkansas. Kansas became the first state in the Central Flyway to report avian influenza in chicks and ducks, in mid-March. Wyoming followed, finding H5N2 in a wild goose and South Dakota (com-mercial turkey farm), Montana (backyard flock), North Dakota (commercial turkey farm), and Wisconsin (com-mercial turkey farm and backyard flock).

Invasive species in Florida: See http://myfwc.com/wild-lifehabitats/nonnatives/ to learn more. There is another Python hunt being organized for 2016. Nile monitors are being hunted in central Palm Beach County C-51 canal (adjacent to Loxahatchee Preserve, 42 removed in 5 years), with a push before breeding season. The largest population is in Cape Coral, FL, and another large one is in Homestead near the speedway. Discussions followed about the importance of dissemination of information on amnesty day http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/non-natives/amnesty-program/ and how we can spread the word through our membership U.S. Fish and Wildlife approved depredation permits for Army Corp of Engineers to eradicate thousands of

cormorants to help in the recovery of salmon on the Columbia River. http://audubonportland.org/news/april14-2015

Discussion followed about the lethal control of wildlife species; the eradication of one species to save another like Barred Owls to save Spotted Owls, cowbirds to save Kirtland’s Warblers, etc.

We get ourselves all worked up and frustrated because we want to save all the wildlife just like you do. Our job is to inform you on what is going on and as individuals we can all choose our battles. As an organization we must come back to our Mission:

The Florida Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (FWRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the unification, education and dissemination of information to all wildlife rehabilitators in Florida.

I think that says it all, your Board is here for you and the wildlife in your care. Sincerely, Dianna FlyntFWRA Newsletter EditorAudubon Center for Birds of Prey

FWRA Board, Flamingo Gardens, May 2015

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In their recent letter to the editor, Weedon et al1 advocate for changes to the AVMA policy on free-roaming abandoned and feral cats, 2 suggest-ing that the current policy does not accurately reflect emerging research findings. We question, however, whether the science and facts that inform the current policy have really changed. Fe-ral and free-ranging cats kill substantial numbers of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians

every year3 and compete with native wildlife for prey. Outbreaks of hookworm infection and typhus at sites where dense populations of feral cats, rats, and fleas coexist are serious human public health problems.4 Feral cats remain the most common rabid domestic animal, and exposure to rabid cats leads to postexposure pro-phylactic treatment of more humans than exposure to any other species.4 Rabies vaccination of feral cats does not reduce the incidence of postexposure prophylaxis or the associated public health risks and costs.4 Cats are the only known shedder of Toxoplasma oocysts, which are increasingly recognized as causes of waterborne and point-source community outbreaks. Toxoplasmosis is a devastating disease in a wide array of marsupials, sea otters, and other marine animals and poses a health risk for many species that generally do not ingest raw meat. An increasing body of evidence is implicating it as a factor in several serious human behavioral, neurodegenerative, and dementia conditions.5,6

Weedon et al1 cite studies showing that trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) programs can be an effective means of controlling feral cat populations but fail to cite studies documenting failure of TNVR programs when maintained over longer periods or in larger areas.7,8 At the Stanford University campus, where a TNVR program was started 30 years ago, there are still as many feral cats, and many other locations have seen no reduction in 10 to 20 years. Relocating cats to start new colonies, as practiced by many advocates of trap-neuter-return, only compounds the problem. We hope all veterinarians and cat advocates will respect community members who don’t want to deal with the health, safety, financial, wildlife, and ecological consequences of community cats. Arguing whether feral cats are as healthy as owned cats is, to our minds, missing the point. Outdoor cats die prematurely of a variety of causes, and while weight and body scores may be indicators of health, they do not

provide information on quality of life. Public funds spent on TNVR programs could, we believe, be better spent promoting and enforcing mandatory spay-neuter provi-sions and adopting out homeless cats. As a profession, we are emphasizing responsible pet ownership and more frequent examinations and telling clients that cats are safer and healthier indoors. How does this square with TNVR programs for cats living outdoors? We strongly believe that TNVR does not serve one health goals or the welfare of feral cats or wildlife or advance public health.9 As veterinarians who work on a wide array of species, we welcome a review of the AV-MA’s feral cat policy and trust that review will be guided by good science and reflect the large array of concerns and species the veterinary profession serves.

Kirsten Gilardi, dvm Davis, CalifColin Gillin, ms, dvm Corvallis, OreCheryl B. Greenacre, dvm Knoxville, TennRobert Groskin, dvm Teaneck, NJDavid A. Jessup, dvm, mpvm Royal Oaks, CalifWilliam B. Karesh, dvm New York, NYDouglas Mader, ms, dvm Marathon, FlaMarcy J. Souza, dvm, mph Knoxville, TennPeregrine L. Wolff, dvm Reno, NVMichael Ziccardi, dvm, mpvm, phd Davis, CalifMeg Sutherland-Smith, dvm San Diego, Calif

1. Weedon GR, Levy J, Hurley K. AVMA policy on trap-neuter-vaccinate-return programs for free-ranging cats (lett). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015; 246: 49–50. 2. AVMA. Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats. Available at: www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Free-roaming-Abandoned-and-Feral-Cats.aspx. Accessed Jan 7, 2015. 3. Loss SR, Will T, Mara P. The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife in the United States. Nat Commun 2013; 4: 1396. Avail-able at: www.nature.com/ncomms/journal/v4/n1/full/ncomms2380.html. Accessed Jan 7, 2015. 4. Gerhold R, Jessup D. Zoonotic diseases associated with free-roaming cats. Zoonoses Public Health 2013; 60(3):189–195. 5. Flegr J, Prandota J, Sovickova M, et al. Toxoplasmosis—a global health threat. Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLoS One [serial on-line]. 2014; 9(3):e90203. Available at: www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0090203. Accessed Jan 7, 2015. 6. Fekadu A, Shibre T, Cleare AJ. Toxoplasmosis as a cause of behav-ior disorders—overview of evidence and mechanisms. 2010. Folia Parsitol (Praha) 2010; 57: 105–113. 7. Foley P, Foley J, Levy J, et al. Analysis of the impact of trap-neuter-return programs on populations of feral cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005; 277: 1775–1781. 8. McCarthy RJ, Levine SH, Reed JM. Estimation of effectiveness of three methods of feral cat population control by use of a simulation model. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 43: 502–511. 9. Jessup D. The welfare of feral cats and wildlife. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004; 225: 1377–1383.

Feral cat policy is about more than cats Reprinted with authors permission

Page 6

This article introduces a series which will review some general safety standards and OSHA requirements for veterinary facilities. As rehabbers, we are so often caught up in the care and safety of our patients that we over-look some of our own safety precautions and protocols. Many times, there is just no time for safety training, and/or no one to do it. However, these days, in our litigious society, we need to protect our facilities, staff and volun-teers.

If you have employees, you must be OSHA compliant. OSHA requirements are based on Federal regulations, (Chapter 29CFR.1910 www.OSHA.gov ).

To quote the AVMA Policy page: Federal law requires that each veterinary practice with at least one employee design and implement a written plan that describes how each workplace complies with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and other OSHA regulations, as applicable. (As of January1, 2015, OSHA has exempted certain industries due to low risk; veterinary facilities are not on that list of exemptions.) If you are strictly an “all-volunteer organization,” OSHA is not mandated; however, efforts to achieve compliance may save you in case of an injury on your property.

Employee training should include a formal OSHA train-ing class, and for Volunteers, part of the training should include, as a minimum, a safety class, a brief lesson on where the MSDS book is located, and how to read them, as well as Personal Protection Equipment, and emergen-cy evacuation procedures. General safety concerns: Every facility should designate a safety coordinator to help facilitate creating a safety manual and training. This person could be the “go-to” for any injuries that may oc-cur, ensuring a first aid kit is available and always stocked. He/She is responsible for general issues such as ensuring fire extinguishers are not expired, walkways are free of “trip hazards,” PPE is available for use, (and is worn as recommended), electrical appliances and cords are intact, and hazardous chemicals are properly labeled. Every facility should have a Safety manual, available for all to refer to, which contains the policies for the above mentioned items, at a minimum, as well as “Emergency Evacuation” plans and exit routes, PPE that is required for each possible dangerous encounter, and locations of your OSHA Manual and MSDS binders.

For OSHA compliance, one should have an OSHA Binder that includes written site-specific:• General Safety and PPE• Electrical and Fire Hazards, General Radiation Safety• Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, including Exposure

Control (normally applies to Human blood, but AVMA recommends compliance for all veterinary facilities)

• Written Infection Control Plan and PPE require-ments – For “Other Potentially Infectious Material” (from here forward referred to as OPIM).

• Written Hazard Communication Standard, MSDS Book and Spill kit – “Chemicals and the right to know”

• Emergency Preparedness• Indoor Air Quality• Workplace violence and ergonomics, • Compassion fatigue• Record Keeping

Complete details are found easily online at the following links: https://www.osha.gov/https://www.avma.org/search/results.aspx?k=osha

Let’s address General Safety specifically. Future articles will address other topics from the above list.

• The workplace must be maintained to be “Free from Physical and Health Hazards.” The safety coordinator should be vigilant, looking for visible hazards, and use a daily or weekly checklist to document.

• General good housekeeping and routine mainte-nance are imperative.

• Food and beverages should ONLY be consumed in a location away from any OPIM, or potentially toxic or biologic agents. Food and beverages should only be consumed in break areas, not lab or treatment areas. Human food should not be stored in refrigerators with vaccines, drugs or biologic samples.

• A fully stocked First-aid kit should be maintained. It can easily be made using a fishing tackle box. This should contain latex gloves, scissors, wound care products: including band-aids, gauze, rolled gauze, tape, instant cold compress, triangular bandage, tweezers, Betadine or iodine, antibacterial ointment, eye flush solution, baby aspirin, and CPR mask with a one way valve, the number of your local EMS pro-vider if not 911.

• Any vehicle operated while “on-duty” is under the auspices of the practice’s liability (even if driving privately owned vehicle). Make sure the person has a valid driver’s license and the vehicle is in good operating condition (lights and signals working). If rear view is obstructed for any reason, a back-up alarm must be installed. Note: Tractors and Forklifts have special OSHA rules, and should be addressed individually.

• Stairs and walkways must be free of debris and trip

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy By Sandy Renne, PA-C, LHCRM and Trained OSHA Instructor, Volunteer, Conservancy of Southwest FL

Page 7

Animis Foundationanimisfoundation@yahoo.com

Avian Recondition Center

www.arc4raptors.org

Audubon Center for Birds of Preywww.audubonofflorida.org

SPCA Wildlife Care Centerwww.wildlifecarecenter.org

Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuarywww.floridawildlifehospital.org

Sawgrass Nature Center

www.sawgrassnaturecenter.org

Peace River Wildlife www.peaceriverwildlifecenter.org

St. Francis Wildlife Associationwww.stfranciswildlife.org

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centerof Central FL

www.wildlifecenterflorida.org

Thank you to our Sponsoring Rehabilitation Organizations

hazards. Stairs should have tread to prevent slipping. Lighting must be available to see clearly. Headroom must be adequate and stairs with 4+ risers must have a hand rail. Wet surfaces represent a slip hazard, and should be cleaned immediately.

• Means of Egress: Exits must be clearly marked, remain free of obstruction, and unlocked from the inside and allow evacuation to the street or outside.

• Adequate ventilation when any noxious chemicals are present is required.

• Noise above 85 decibels requires monitoring and time exposure limits

• Compressed gas cylinders shall be handled by trained personnel only (addressed specifically in the Hazard Communication Standard)

• Sharps and medical waste disposal must follow OSHA and EPA guidelines (Addressed specifically in the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard)

• General Safety training and record keeping of that training are required for all staff and volunteers.

Record Keeping• Employers with 10 or more employees are required

to keep records of all work related injuries and ill-nesses.

• Veterinary practices are not exempt from record keeping

• Job safety posters for all to view• OSHA Form 300 to document extent and severity

of injury/ illness

• OSHA Form 300A for summary of yearly work related injury/ illness. Posted for employees between February 1 and April 30.

• OSHA Form 301 Incident report – For Worker’s Compensation Insurance company

• Infectious diseases are considered work related if the employee is infected while at work, and shall be recorded

• Record work-related injuries/ illnesses that result in* Death* Loss of Consciousness* Missed days from work* Restricted work activity* Medical treatment beyond first aid

• •Record Needle stick injuries that are contaminated with blood or OPIM

• •Record any injury or illness that requires treatment beyond general first aid, or that requires medical professional diagnosis.

Next newsletter will address PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!!

PAGE 7

Florida Wildlife Rehabilitators Association is a 501(c)(3) organizationA copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free

(800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

Name________________________________________________________ Affiliation_____________________________________

Address ___________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

City ______________________________________________ State _________ Zip __________ County ____________________

Home Phone______________________________ Work Phone ________________________ Cellular /Pager ___________________

E-mail _____________________________________________________ Web site _________________________________________

I am a : DVM CVT State Licensed Rehabilitator Federally Licensed Rehabilitator

Licensed Rescue/Transport Volunteer Other ________________________________________________

I specialize in and will assist others with: _______________________________________________________________________

FWRA Membership InfoMembership Benefits include:• email group list to network with rehabilitators around the state • quarterly newsletters which provide rehabilitation techniques, environmental issues, and organization news • annual symposiums on rehabilitation and other areas of interest such as natural history,education, fundraising, administration, and regulations• a membership directory that can assist you in finding help throughout the state• the resource committee – experts on many subjects for help with unusual situations• corporate members receive free newsletter and web site advertising

This is a gift membership from: _________________________________________________________________________________

I was referred by FWRA member: ________________________________________________________________________________

All information listed in this section will be published in the FWRA members directory:

Annual Membership Levels: Individual -$20.00 New Corporate - $100.00 Renewal Other Donation

Please mail this form to : FWRA, Gail Straight, P.O. Box 1449, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

This information is vital to our goal of statewide networking!

Emergency contact for FWRA Disaster Committee use only (list all information here that you do not want published in the

directory, such as cell and work phones, for emergency use by FWRA’s disaster committee)

Name & number of the first person outside of your immediate household that you would call after a disaster so we can

contact them if we are unable to reach you: _____________________________________________________________________

Additional contact information: _________________________________________________________________________________

Fox Valley is a world leader manufacturer ofmilk (formula) replacement for orphaned

and injured wildlife.

Day One Formula milk replacers are species specific and all play a unqiue role in feeding young animals.

These products closely match the unique composition of mother’s milk, to assure proper nutrition if mothers

cannot, or will not, suckle their own.

Quantity discounts are now available.Call for more information.

Please call for more information.Sales / Technical Service: (800) 679-4666

Fax: (815) 578-4240

We have over 125 unique and specials diets to feed anything

from Aardvarks to Zebras!www.mazuri.com800-227-8941(corporate customer service info)

3030 MascotWichita, Kansas 67204Orders: 1-800-490-0118

Information: 316-831-9500

Freed Enterprises, Inc.Petiatric.com

www.petiatric.com

PAGE 7

Florida Wildlife Rehabilitators Association is a 501(c)(3) organizationA copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free

(800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

Name________________________________________________________ Affiliation_____________________________________

Address ___________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

City ______________________________________________ State _________ Zip __________ County ____________________

Home Phone______________________________ Work Phone ________________________ Cellular /Pager ___________________

E-mail _____________________________________________________ Web site _________________________________________

I am a : DVM CVT State Licensed Rehabilitator Federally Licensed Rehabilitator

Licensed Rescue/Transport Volunteer Other ________________________________________________

I specialize in and will assist others with: _______________________________________________________________________

FWRA Membership InfoMembership Benefits include:• email group list to network with rehabilitators around the state • quarterly newsletters which provide rehabilitation techniques, environmental issues, and organization news • annual symposiums on rehabilitation and other areas of interest such as natural history,education, fundraising, administration, and regulations• a membership directory that can assist you in finding help throughout the state• the resource committee – experts on many subjects for help with unusual situations• corporate members receive free newsletter and web site advertising

This is a gift membership from: _________________________________________________________________________________

I was referred by FWRA member: ________________________________________________________________________________

All information listed in this section will be published in the FWRA members directory:

Annual Membership Levels: Individual -$20.00 New Corporate - $100.00 Renewal Other Donation

Please mail this form to : FWRA, Gail Straight, P.O. Box 1449, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

This information is vital to our goal of statewide networking!

Emergency contact for FWRA Disaster Committee use only (list all information here that you do not want published in the

directory, such as cell and work phones, for emergency use by FWRA’s disaster committee)

Name & number of the first person outside of your immediate household that you would call after a disaster so we can

contact them if we are unable to reach you: _____________________________________________________________________

Additional contact information: _________________________________________________________________________________

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Editor’s Desk Well here we are again in June and July looking ahead to the next 5 or 6 months, and cringing at the thought of an active hurricane season. But clearly, this season brings another major stress factor in the form of our looming oil disaster just miles from our beautiful coast line. We’re all sickened, scared, disgusted, but worst of all, we’re unsure of how to protect ourselves and our wonderful natural resources from this horrendous event. Since none of us are strangers to hurricanes, the years have taught us to have (albeit probably not a perfect one) a plan to protect, evacuate, assist, or even rebuild if needed. This oil situation is by far a different beast and in most ways, far more ominous. There appears to be nothing we can do to prepare. Heck, it seems we can’t even help. We are a smart, educated, well intentioned group of members, who I believe can take on just about any task and succeed if called upon. Many of you have conscientiously taken the online courses and many have signed up as paraprofessionals as suggested by USFWS. However, for some reason, we have heard that very few (if any) paraprofessionals or rehabilitators (people who have actually handled a wild animal!) are being called upon and that primarily government people are being utilized to capture troubled wildlife. Why!?! We, as an organization, get troubled and sometimes nasty emails from people wondering why we, as an organization, don’t do something. Well, we can’t. We’re not the Federal Agency in charge and since we take all of our direction from USFWS, we’re wallowing in a mute position until they ask us to engage in some way. Adding to our frustration is the fact that we haven’t been able to give you, our members, even a glimmer, not even an ounce, of positive direction. We all hear, read, and see the same sickening horror stories and we feel helpless and uninformed by those who direct us. We have hoped daily that this would begin to change. On Wednesday, June 30 at 7pm, the first open tele-forum with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, and TriState Bird Rescue and Research was conducted. We see this as a first step in the right direction to involve rehabilitators and paraprofessionals in any communication and planning. Good questions were asked … some were answered, but we believe that a good platform was founded from which to move forward. More of these tele-forums are expected. As a matter of fact, the next one will on Wednesday, July 14th from 7pm to 8pm EST. To participate (or just listen in), you can dial in at 7pm to 888-808-6959, conference code 488 3831. We will bring you subsequent dates and information and how to participate when we know it. In the meantime, let’s focus our efforts on the things we can control in our own personal and usually difficult rehab worlds. So, please take care of your health, your families, your volunteers, your patients, and by all means review your action plans for a potentially active storm season. When storms strike we want to know that you are ok. Most of you have updated your emergency numbers with us, but if you haven’t, please do.

Leslie Johnson, Editor

TSBRR (Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research) one of the leading rehab centers specializing in oiled wildlife, they know their way around guilty corporations. Website: www.tristatebird.org/response/services.htm

Report Oiled Wildlife: 866-557-1401

Wildlife Rehabber Volunteer: (must have proof of credentials) 404-679-7049

Non rehabber volunteer: 866-448-5816 www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org

Glimpse Operations http://bp.concerts.com/gom/environment_wildlife_15052010.htm

Hopefully when you read this, the spill will be contained! Be strong, rehabbers!!

Deb Anderson, DVMPresident FWRA

Letter from the President Continued from page 1

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Just recently published, the Identification Guide to the Snakes of Florida is a collection of clear, beautiful photos of the 46 native species of snakes in Florida, as well as severalcommonly found nonnative species. The photos are grouped according to the snakes’ most obvious markings: blotches, diamonds, stripes, crossbands, and solid coloration. Each section begins with the venomous species, followed by those snakes that are most often confused with them, and then followed by the other snakes that share the pattern. Because some snakes’ patterns change with age or vary with location, pictures of those snakes may be found in more than one section. The black racer, for example, is shown in the section on blotches as a juvenile and the section on solid colors as an adult.

Each snake species is listed with a description, and information on the habitat, size, diet, and scientific name. There is also a map with each species, indicating the range where the snake may be found. This guide includes numerous other features, such as 10 photos and descriptions ofhabitats where snakes are likely to be found in Florida, what to do or not do if bitten by a venomous snake, distinguishing features of venomous pit vipers and of nonvenomoussnakes and coral snakes, and information about two different groups of legless lizards that are often mistaken for snakes. This guide is printed on heavy card stock and is ring-bound. It is designed to be of use topeople who have little or no experience with Florida’s snakes and who need to be able to quickly identify one when they come across it. The authors hope that snakes will benefit from this guide by making it easy for people to determine which snakes are nonvenomous. This guide can be obtained from www.ifasbooks.com or at 800-226-1764.

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