In order to protect our Education Birds, Blue Mountain Wildlife has made the decision to test all rehabilitation candidates who are high risk for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. This requires sending samples to the OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Corvallis and takes from 3 to 7 days, depending on what day of the week the birds are admitted. Two such birds have been tested so far in February, Red-tailed Hawk 24-016 and Great Horned Owl 24-017.

Both birds appeared to be blind. The hawk showed no signs of trauma. The owl had signs of a head injury. The hawk tested positive for HPAI. The owl tested negative for HPAI. The two birds were admitted several days apart and their stays at BMW did not overlap. Both were quarantined in the Intake Center which currently consists of three 8′ X 10′ buildings: Admission, Examination and Quarantine. A fourth building has been purchased and will provide a second quarantine space.

HPAI may well be endemic in the United States, meaning we should screen all high risk birds who seem to be good rehabilitation candidates before bringing them into the clinic. The ability to quarantine two groups of birds separately will become more important during the upcoming busy spring and summer seasons, hence the acquisition of a second Quarantine building.

Another Bald Eagle Release!!!

I never thought I would be relieved to treat an eagle for lead toxicity, but if the alternative is HPAI, I will chose lead every time! After two courses of chelation, Bald Eagle 24-015 was released. Hunting with nonlead ammunition will help insure the eagle stays lead free!