<Summary>
Attendees: OWRA Board, Dr. Gillin, Keith DeHart, and Emily VanWyk
1. Barred Owl regulations for rehabilitation
US Fish and Wildlife is the agency who plan and enforce the BADO management plan. There are no changes regarding BADO regulation since the OWRA conference, which was held last October. Dr. Gillin mentioned the issue is not the rehabilitation part but the release. However, until USFWS officially announces changes, the current condition (meaning BADO are NOT restricted) continues.
2. Rehabilitation Facilities and Service Areas
OWRA brought up that there is a gap in coverage for the Newport district, and possibly the north coast, regarding accepting migratory birds as patients from the area. Dr. Gillin recommends that each rehab facilities set up a meeting with district biologists for redefining or clarifying the service area since the service area is defined by them. If there is any issue, Dr. Gillin is willing to set up a meeting.
3. HPAI Outbreak Updates and Impacts on Oregon Rehabbers
According to Dr. Gillin, Oregon has more cases of HPAI infection of birds than any other state. Dabbling ducks (MALL, AMWI, scoters, CKGO) are highly prevalent and asymptomatic. There are not so many updates from ODFW. So far, no rehab facilities in OR has had an outbreak yet. It is ok to rehab waterfowl for confirmed injuries, however, check with your district biologist first. Continue to make sure to wear appropriate PPE.
4. Open Discussion and Next Steps
Dr. Gillin would like to remind the community to make sure to renew their rehab permits in a timely manner.
Next meeting: Jan 28, 2025, 10A
Do you have specific rules or things you would like clarified? Please send your suggestions or questions to owra.board@gmail.com !
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