Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-119

Show Description: "Wildlife"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-119.mp3, ATVR-06-119.wma

This week, Ask The Vet Radio featured wildlife topics including injuries, disease, rehabilitation, and what to do if you find a wild animal in need of assistance.  Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician Nancy Zagaya from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine dropped by the studio to discuss the rehabilitation of wild animals.  Dr. Ed Ramsay, Professor of Avian and Zoological Medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, also joined the program to discuss rabies and what to do if you are bitten by an infected animal.

Show Notes and Resources:

In-Studio Guest: Nancy Zagaya, Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician and Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

  • When dealing with wild animals, Nancy stressed that extreme caution should always be taken to ensure your safety as well as the animals.  Remember that wild animals live in an undomesticated environment and behave very differently from those dwelling in captivity.  Wild animals exhibit stress and pain in alternative manners than those we are accustomed to from our pets.  The law forbids the use of native wildlife as a pet, including box turtles and other small animals.
  • Wildlife rehabilitation provides injured animals with medical assistance that will enable recovered animals to return to the wild.  Before the service was offered, injured animals found in the wild were euthanized.  When an animal arrives at a rehabilitation center, the animal is immediately evaluated for disability, behavior, survival rate, and disease in accordance with strict regulation requirements.  Rehabilitation centers aid wildlife species ranging from squirrels to black bears with a typical success rate of 30 %.  Any animal found with an infectious disease such as rabies is immediately put to sleep.  Wild animals have distinct behavioral needs in addition to medical assistance.  If the rehabilitators aren’t careful, they could imprint the animal with domestication and thus handicap the animal’s chance for survival upon release.  Due to the increased stress from captivity, only a small percentage of the animals that cannot be released back into the wild will be suitable for programs.  Once an animal has been in captivity for an extended period of time (especially with other animals), they should never be released back into the wild.  The animals’ survival skills become compromised and the animal will most likely become prey immediately after release. 
  • Many animals are brought into rehabilitation centers without just cause.  Make sure that that an animal possesses evident signs of injury such as blood or a limp before removing them from their natural environment.  People easily mistake young deer and rabbits as orphans due to the extended periods of time that the parents leave them unattended and subsequently take them to the centers.  If an animal seems to be thriving, the parent is probably within close proximity or may have the necessary survival skills it needs.
  • To become directly involved with wildlife rehabilitation, one must be willing to endure 200 hours of training with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, acquire permits and meet strict requirements before proceeding.  If you are interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator or donating to this cause, visit Ijams Nature Park on September 17, 2006 at for a picnic with rehabilitation experts.  You can also find more information on wildlife rehabilitation by visiting the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association at http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp or the International Wildlife Rehabilitators Council at http://www.iwrc-online.org/.

In-Studio Guest: Dr. Ed Ramsay, Professor of Avian and Zoological Medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Dr. Ramsay reminded listeners to be cautious when coming in contact with all wild animals due to their highly unpredictable nature.  Animals that seem passive such as deer can become dangerous when alarmed.   If you do find an animal in need of assistance, use extreme caution with all injured animals.  Even when domesticated animals become injured, the pain can cause uncharacteristic behavior that can lead to serious injury.  If the animal is relatively small and easily transportable, get a blanket or box to scoop the animal into securely.  You can contact the University of Tennessee Veterinary School at (865) 974-VETS to get connected to the rehabilitation center or visit http://www.vet.utk.edu/.
  • Many diseases like rabies can be transferred from wild animals to humans.  Any mammal can acquire rabies.  The disease is especially prevalent in bats and raccoons.  Never try to pick up or touch an animal that is acting peculiar, especially if suspected of rabies!  If you find an injured raccoon, fox, or bat, never attempt to rescue it yourself.  The risk for rabies is far too severe; call a professional for help. 
  • If you are bitten by a wild animal, wash out the wound and proceed to the emergency room immediately.  If possible, safely trap the animal and take it in for testing.  Bats have small teeth and leave relatively small bite marks; if you awake and find a bat in your house, get yourself and the bat (if possible) tested in case the bat bit you without your knowledge.

Rescue of the Week: The Tennessee Valley Exotic Bird Club

  • The Tennessee Valley Exotic Bird Club was founded in 1988 and specializes in the education of exotic birds to its members and the general public.  The Club features a Rescue and Adoption Program (RAP) that takes surrendered birds and places them into new homes.   Frank Genova, head of the Rescue and Adoption Program, is also involved with an outreach “bird show” that allows the community to get involved with understanding the companionship and education of exotic birds while being entertained!  To surrender or rescue a bird, obtain information about upcoming show dates September 11 and 13, or have Frank and his three feathery friends come speak with your group or business, email him at birdman262@gtcinternet.com.  You can also visit www.tvebc.org for more information on the Tennessee Valley Exotic Bird Club.