Two Great Horned Owls were admitted this past week. GHOW 23-009 tested positive for avian influenza and was humanely euthanized. Below is a photo of the positive FLUDETECT test strip. The rapid test is similar to an in-home COVID test and can be completed in 15 minutes. Although the test can sometimes result in a false positive, it is a useful screening tool for owls like 23-009 who are exhibiting symptoms of avian influenza. 

We can use a more accurate PCR test for high risk species who are asymptomatic, but it requires sending the test sample to the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Corvallis at a cost of $80, as compared to the $10 cost of the rapid test. 

GHOW 23-010 was struck by a vehicle on Interstate-84. His left eye was badly damaged and was not going to be functional. A one-eyed Great Horned Owl has a very poor prognosis for survival if released, so he was also euthanized. 23-010 tested negative for avian influenza so illness was not a factor in his injury

Western Screech Owl 22-423 Released

Tricia released another Screech Owl this past week. It received a head injury in a collision (with a window, a car or ????) on December 26, 2022. She released it in a park near where it had been found.

Pendleton Outfitters

A new business in town and a new podcast! And we are on Episode 1…