wildlife rehabilitation: health and safety essentials

Six RVS in PA

Raccoon, Fox, Skunk, Coyote, Groundhog, and Bat. These are the six species of wildlife that are classified as rabies vector species in Pennsylvania, which require special considerations for health and safety during rehabilitation.

Dress code for the clinic

clothing thick enough to withstand animal scratches, that have short or long sleeves (no tank tops), that cover the ankle, and shoes that are close toed/ankle (ex. boots). Additionally, gloves should be worn to protect against bites and potential zoonotic diseases.

Six RVS in PA

Raccoon, Fox, Skunk, Coyote, Groundhog, and Bat. These are the six species of wildlife that are classified as rabies vector species in Pennsylvania, which require special considerations for health and safety during rehabilitation.

Dress code for the clinic

clothing thick enough to withstand animal scratches, that have short or long sleeves (no tank tops), that cover the ankle, and shoes that are close toed/ankle (ex. boots). Additionally, gloves should be worn to protect against bites and potential zoonotic diseases.

215-686-3050

police dept. phone number (emergency numbers for the clinic)

215-686-1300

fire dept. phone number (emergency numbers for the clinic)

215-487-1300

evacuation via Cathedral Village (emergency numbers for the clinic)

215-386-2100

Poison control (emergency numbers for the clinic)

215-686-5200

PA dept. of public health (emergency numbers for the clinic)

Wildlife Clinic is located on a slope, meaning rain can pool around the building and animal enclosures.

The property is at risk for flash floods. Wear rain proof clothes/shoes in inclement weather and monitor water levels around animal cages (make sure no holes open up allowing for escape or access for predators). 

Dead/dying tree limbs that have fallen

 If they may pose a hazard to humans and/or animals/their enclosures, report to staff immediately. Do so as well if a limb falls on an enclosure with a patient-Do not try to enter/remove limb first before alerting staff. 

During winter, ice can form on Clinic grounds

ice cleats/non-slip boots are recommended (or just be very careful). 

In case of a power outage:

 cease any hazardous activities:

hand-feeding/handling an animal out of its cage (secure animal back in cage as well), 

using plugged in electronic devices (hair dryer, incubators, noise machines, heating pads, computers, pumps, filters, supplemental light sources, etc), 

Turn off power strips, 

Keep fridge/freezer doors shut tight and do not open unless absolutely necessary. 

Evacuate carefully and help others (staff/volunteers) if the power is expected to remain out for a while. When returning after power has been restored, check the premises for unattended electronics, animal cages left open, spills, etc. 

sharp edges and/or exposed nails or screws on metal and wooden enclosures/cages.

Be cautious of these features. If these features are on the interior of enclosures, they are hazardous to animals; if possible, move the animal(s) to a new enclosure and bring the hazard to the attention of senior staff.

natural hazards on Clinic grounds/in animal enclosures

Be cautious of these features, such as loose footing, uneven ground, tripping hazards, noxious plants and stinging insects. Notify staff if there is noticeable poison ivy on grounds so it can be removed, as well as if there are large wasp/yellowjacket nests. 

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

depicts instructions on working with chemical cleansers/sanitizing agents used to prevent disease transmission. Located in the break room. Volunteers are responsible for reading the MSDS and following its instructions, as well as wearing proper protective clothing. 

Modes of disease transmission; direct contact

via bites, scratches, open wounds, body fluids, etc.

Modes of disease transmission; indirect contact

 Inanimate objects (known as fomites) that have come into direct contact with pathogens, coming into contact with humans; pens, keyboards, telephones, feeding utensils, gloves, doorknobs, etc).

routes by which zoonotic diseases enter the body; inhalation

Breathing airborne particles (respiratory secretions from cough/sneeze, dust/dander, dried waste matter, etc). 

routes by which zoonotic diseases enter the body; ingestion

 Unintentional hand-to-mouth contact after contact with microbes via fomites (direct or indirect)

routes by which zoonotic diseases enter the body; inoculation

Directly into the body via bites or scratches, through open wounds/mucous membrane, pricked with contaminated needles, through bites from infected vector insects (ex. mosquitos), etc. 

Primary methods of personal hygiene to prevent outbreak/spread of diseases in the Clinic:

Wash/sanitize hands regularly. Use warm water w/ soap and alcohol based sanitizer. Wash hands especially when hands are very soiled (sanitizer is ineffective then). Wash hands before eating/drinking, after handling/feeding animals, after using the restroom, and between each enclosure/animal/group of animals being seen to. 

~Wear/bring clean clothes/shoes and change as often as necessary. Bring a change to wear exclusively at the Clinic and change before leaving after a shift. 

~PPE (gloves, masks, caps, shoe covers, gowns) are provided and must be worn as instructed.

~Eat and drink only in the break room, and only out of the fridge/dishes reserved exclusively for humans. All food, human and animal, is to be prepared and stored under sanitary conditions to prevent vermin/microbial contamination.

~Keep cages and enclosures sanitary, and sanitize thoroughly between patients. 

~Collect and dispose of organic refuse/biohazardous material in proper containers and according to municipal and state regulations. 

~Examine new arrivals and current patients periodically for parasites. Volunteers must notify staff if they see or suspect parasites. 

~Empty and clean water bowls daily. 

Zoonosis/Zoonotic Diseases:

Diseases that can be transmitted from humans to animals (avian influenza, salmonella, rabies, etc).

May or may not have visible symptoms/signs in animal patients, and some symptoms are common in more than one disease. 

Volunteers must be familiar with zoonoses in PA and follow disease transmission prevention guidelines/protocols every time they interact with any animal, regardless if they are or aren’t showing signs of illness. 

Microorganism transmission

More easily transmitted between related hosts and therefore most zoonotic diseases come from mammals, but some do come from birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.

in case of potential exposure to Zoonoses

Do not hesitate to ask staff if in doubt about potential exposure to zoonoses, and if experiencing symptoms, contact your doctor and tell them about your work with animals to receive a test; most will not immediately test because zoonoses are not common among the general public. 

Categories of Zoonoses

Bacterial, Fungal, Viral, Parasitic. 

Plague (Y. pestis):

Bacteria.

Indirect, vector borne transmission through flea/infected rodent bites. 

Wear PPE to prevent flea bites, remove flea vectors from animals.

Symptoms in wildlife are rare but show in humans within 48 hours of exposure (high fever/enlarged lymph nodes, then seizures, gangrene, cramps, respiratory distress if untreated).

Lyme Disease (Borrelia spp.):

Bacteria

Indirect, vector borne transmission through bites from infected ticks (commonly Deer Ticks in PA). 

Prevent tick transmission from wildlife to humans via body checks

Transmitted by birds and mammals, who don’t usually show symptoms. Humans experience rash at the site of the bite, then fever, headache and lethargy.

Leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.):

Bacteria

Direct from infected animals via bodily fluids, contaminated bedding/water/soil. Bacteria usually reside in kidneys, can live without host for weeks. 

Wear waterproof clothing , dispose of contaminated bedding/waste, PPE to prevent contact with infected bodily fluids. 

Can be asymptomatic in wildlife (hard to diagnose), but appears flu-like in people, and can progress to renal failure, meningitis, and pneumonia.

Tularemia (F. Tularensis):

Bacteria

Both types of transmission, through flea/tick bites from host mammals, or via contact with broken skin, mucous membranes, inhalation of contaminated drops, fecal oral route. 

Ectoparasite control; Use PPE gloves/masks, avoid contact w/ contaminated food, bedding and waste. 

Difficult to diagnose in wildlife due to highly susceptible animals (i.e rabbits) dying shortly after becoming symptomatic. Humans become symptomatic within 10 days (flu like, vomiting, skin ulcers, diarrhea). 

Salmonellosis (salmonella spp.):

Bacteria

Direct via contact with infected animals or feces. Infects nearly any animal species, but commonly birds and reptiles.

Wear PPE, gloves and masks, and avoid contact with contaminated feces.

Varied symptoms in wild birds; neurological complications, lethargy, diarrhea, rapid breath, etc. Humans experience diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps 12-72 hrs after infection, for 2-7 days.

Ornithosis (C. psittaci):

Bacteria

Direct via inhalation of infected fecal matter. Carried by <460 species of North American birds. 

Avoid dried/aerosolized fecal matter build up through good clinic hygiene.

Birds experience symptoms of lethargy, emaciation, respiratory distress, and/or bloody stool. People have flu-like symptoms up to 2 weeks post exposure, worsening with chronic exposure.

Rabies:

Virus

 Direct via the bite of an infected animal (Any mammal, though some are more susceptible than others, known as RVS, and vary from state to state).

Wear PPE, including bite proof gloves. House RVS separately from all other animals, and ensure housing meets containment/sanitation protocols. Those who work with RVS species must be vaccinated. 

Rabid wildlife may be asymptomatic, but symptoms include disorientation, paralysis, hypersalivation, and abnormal aggression/fearlessness. These also appear in humans. Rabies is 100% fatal for humans and animals if contracted.

*SCWC is not permitted to care for RVS patients, but may house them temporarily until transport to a permitted facility is possible. No volunteers are permitted to handle RVS animals at all, and are required to alert senior staff if an RVS animal is brought in. 

Hantavirus:

Virus

Direct, via inhalation of dried/aerosolized feces, urine or saliva from infected rodents. Carried commonly by white-footed mice and deer mice in PA, but rare in this region. 

Wear PPE masks when cleaning areas with rodent feces, have good ventilation and sanitation in the facility.

Asymptomatic in wildlife, but humans will contract Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), causing flu symptoms, rash, facial inflammation, hypotension, shock, and renal failure. Can be life threatening.

West Nile Virus:

Virus

 Indirect via mosquito bites. Carried by 250 bird species, most commonly corvids. 

Mosquito abatement; removing standing water sources, cleanliness/disinfection techniques for housing/equipment. 

Birds show neurological symptoms like ‘stargazing’ and listlessness. 80% of infected humans are asymptomatic, but 20% have mild flu symptoms. Rarely, severe neurological symptoms can occur. 

Aspergillosis (Aspergillus spp.):

Mycoses (Fungi)

Direct, via inhalation of spores from infected. Affects birds, commonly raptors and waterfowl.

Maintain good standards of facility hygiene and sanitation, as well as good ventilation. 

Birds exhibit acute respiratory distress, while humans typically don’t contract Aspergillosis unless they have a compromised immune system.

Ringworm:

Mycoses (Fungi)

Both types of transmission via contact with spores on animal skin/fur or on bedding. Spores can survive and contaminate objects for up to 18 months. 

Wear PPE, gloves, and maintain good standards of facility hygiene/sanitation.

Some animal carriers are asymptomatic, others show scabbing or hair loss. Humans develop and itchy red ring 1-2 weeks after exposure. 

Ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, mosquitos, mites, etc):

Parasites

Can be carried by all animals, but most common in mammals. Some ectoparasites, like feather lice, can’t survive on human hosts.

Wear PPE (gloves, long sleeves, scrubs, etc). Utilize pest control like DEET sprays, flea powder, etc.

Varied symptoms occur on animals and humans, like itchy raised areas/rashes, and other conditions transmitted by parasites, like Lyme. 

Endoparasites (worms, protozoa):

Parasite

Can be carried by all animals, but most common in mammals. Ingested after contact w/ infected material (feces), or through contact w/ mucous membranes/broken skin. 

Wear PPE (Gloves, masks, goggles), maintain good sanitation/hygiene, like hand washing. 

Varied symptoms in animals and humans depending on where the parasite migrates after ingestion.

Baylis ascaris (Raccoon Roundworm):

Parasite

Fecal oral route from infected raccoon feces. Baylisascaris is persistent in the environment/resistant to many env. factors, and people can pick it up from contaminated soil many years after it was deposited by the host.  

Wear PPE (gloves, and when handling raccoons), deworm raccoons in care, follow facility sanitation/caging protocols for raccoons, and do not house other animals in cages that have house raccoons. 

Rarely do symptoms show in raccoons, but in humans and other animals, symptoms are caused by larvae migration through the body and forming cysts in tissue. Where larvae encyst determines the symptoms. 

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

Prevents injury and illness in the workplace and is required whenever coming into direct contact with animals, during the cleaning process/when coming in contact with chemicals. Change PPE regularly to avoid cross contamination (between animals and cages) and whenever torn/dirtied.

Gloves

the most commonly used piece of PPE. Use them every time you are handling an animal, while cleaning enclosures/surfaces, and when handling soiled/contaminated bedding/laundry.

Never touch the outside surface of gloves with bare hands, including when removing gloves. Discard gloves immediately after removal and wash/sanitize hands immediately. 

Gowns, Aprons, and other coverings

Available/provided by the clinic and must be worn when working with animals that have diarrhea or vomit. Work with RVS species involves wearing a fluid impermeable gown at all times. 

Surgical/respiratory masks

 PPE that prevents droplet pathogens and hand to mouth contact, but do not protect against airborne particles. When such is of concern, disposable respiratory masks must be worn.

Goggles/glasses

Must be well fitted and worn when washing areas involving spraying of water and chemicals that may splash into the eyes (like when cleaning outdoor enclosures), as well as when working with long billed birds like herons or egrets.

Antiseptic

 A substance capable of preventing infection via inhibiting the growth of infectious agents (as implied, on living tissues specifically).

Disinfectant

A substance that destroys/inhibits the activity of microbial organisms.

Sterilization

The destruction of all microorganisms in or about an inanimate object. 

Fomite

 Any non living object or substance that is capable of carrying infectious organisms, like bacteria, from one host to another (ex. clothing, shared water, food dishes).

When using disinfecting agents:

Disinfecting agents are usually inactivated by organic materials, so an initial cleaning step is typically done before effective use of disinfectant. Gloves and masks must be worn while using disinfectants to prevent irritation of skin and lungs, and when preparing dilutions of concentrated products, eye protection must be worn. 

Detergents

Cleaning compounds like laundry detergent and dish soap(s). Antibacterial, require scrubbing action to remove microorganisms, but are ineffective against fungi or viruses. 

Use for initial washing of cages and food/water bowls, to remove fecal, food, organic matter.

Chlorhexidine

Nolvasan (2%). Damages bacterial cell membranes. Used for surgical prep, wound treatment and disinfection.

Chlorhexidine dilution ratio

1 mL + 19 mL water (1.0%) for disinfection

Chlorine

Bleach, Purex. Releases free-radicals (unstable molecules made during normal cell metabolism) which destroy cells. Indiscriminately destroys microorganisms, organic matter, and living tissue. Used to disinfect nonmetallic objects and surfaces.

Chlorine dilution ratio

1:32 (125ml of 5.25% bleach per 4L of hot water.) for gen. disinfection. Higher concentrations needed to kill viruses, organic material. Must be prepared fresh daily.

Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide

Oxyfresh Cleansing Gele. An inorganic compound of oxygen and chlorine, a powerful oxidizing agent. Cleans and provides disinfection safely (not harmful to birds, so used for them). 

Used as the washing/soaking solution for syringes, food/water dishes, feeders, gen. disinfection of premises. 

First Aid within the Clinic

There is a primary first-aid kit located in the Break Room, in the wall cabinet. Let staff know if any materials are used or running low. 

Eye wash stations locations; Break Room, Exam Room, Laundry Room. Instructions are printed on each; volunteers must familiarize themselves with them in case they have to use them. 

In case of bleeding

Have the injured person sit or lay down, specifically the latter if they are dizzy, agitated, or having trouble standing. 

Use clean, thick dressing or cloth to cover the wound, applying direct pressure with gloved hands. Use bandages to keep the dressing in place. 

If possible, elevate the injured area, but only if fracture is not suspected. 

If there are foreign bodies in the wound, do not remove them, and bandage around them to avoid putting pressure and to stabilize it until further medical help arrives.

Call 911 if the injury is severe or the injured person loses consciousness. 

Back and Neck injuries

Signs; severe back/neck pain, inability to turn the neck, injury that caused great force on neck or back, weakness/numbness, abnormal position of neck/back, loss of limb/bowel control. 

If back or neck injury is suspected, do not move the person, instead place padding like towels around their body to keep them still, and dial 911. 

Animal Bites and Scratches

In the case of being bitten or scratched by a patient, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and warm water for 5 minutes. If the wound is a deep puncture, flush the wound with clean water and only put soap on the surrounding skin. 

Then, apply antibiotic ointment and clean dressings. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol for open wounds, and if applicable, follow the first aid steps for In case of bleeding.

Report bites and scratches from animals to staff immediately (exact animal, species and case #). The animal may need to be quarantined and it is vital for human health. Failure to report will result in being fired from the volunteer position. 

Seek medical advice if the wound is very large, very deep, there is significant bleeding, the skin is badly crushed/torn, there are signs of infection, or if there is concern about rabies transmission. 

Burns

If major, immediately call 911. Burns that are deep, cause skin to be dry and leathery, have a charred/white, brown, or black appearance, are larger than 3 in. in diameter, or on important areas like hands, feet, face, groin, or behind are all considered major. 

Turn off the power source before approaching if the burn was electrical.  

For minor burns, hold the area under cool (not cold) water, or apply a clean, cool compress. Do not use an ice pack or ice water. 

Remove any restrictive items from burned area 

Apply moisturizing lotion to the burn and cover with a clean dressing. 

Poison Ivy/Poison Oak

Signs; Red, raised, itchy bumps/rash on skin, weeping blisters, swelling. 

Do not touch the infected area with bare hands, as plant oils will spread. Do not touch the face. 

Immediately rinse the area with poison plant wash (in restrooms), dish soap and water, ensuring to scrub everywhere, including under the nails. Also rinse any and all areas suspected to have come into contact with the plant.

Use Calamine lotion, Hydrocortisone cream, or Benadryl for the symptoms.

Seek further medical help if the rash is on the face or genitals and call 911 if an allergic reaction occurs. 

Needlesticks, Sharps injuries, Exposure to Fluids. 

Immediately wash the injury with soap and water. 

If bodily fluids get into your eyes, use the nearest eyewash station. If bodily fluids get into the nose and/or mouth, flush with saline solution or clean water right away. 

If injured by a used needle or sharp object contaminated with bodily fluid, seek further advice from medical care providers.

Sharp

In a medical setting, any medical tool with a sharp edge or point capable of cutting skin (i.e needles, scalpels, syringes, etc). 

Disposal of Sharps

 Red sharps containers. Have one on hand if it is known you will be using one. Replace full containers with new ones safely. 

Sharps disposal containers are expensive and cannot be reused. When disposing of sharps, consider how to reduce the volume of material being put in the container, but be cautious and use common sense to not risk a needlestick. 

(i.e When using a butterfly needle with an IV tube, cut the tube off and dispose of it separately. When using twist off needles, remove the needle from the syringe). 

In case of no sharps container nearby

Only recap needles if there is not a sharps container immediately available and place it somewhere safe until it can be disposed of. Do not leave uncapped needles lying around. 

Usage of sharps

Handle sharps properly to ensure no injury to yourself or others, or the spread of zoonotic diseases or infection. 

Never reuse sharps; always dispose of them after one use.