First Aid for Wildlife

First Aid for Wildlife Lecture by Ify Glen Dinning

Introduction

  • Instructor: Ify Glen Dinning, avian and exotics veterinary technician at UQ Vet Small Animal Hospital.
  • Context: Delivering the lecture remotely due to being in surgery on an EMU.

Wildlife: Community Responsibility

  • Wildlife as a community responsibility: Human occupation of wildlife habitats as a primary cause for wildlife injuries and issues.
  • Causes of wildlife injuries:
    • Habitat Destruction: Resulting from urban development and land use changes.
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Increased vehicle traffic in wildlife habitats leading to animal fatalities.
    • Natural Disasters: Such as bushfires and floods, which affect wildlife habitats.
    • Global Warming and Climate Change: Contributing to shifts in habitats and increased weather-related events.
    • Predation:
    • Natural Predators vs. Introduced Species:
      • Introduction of non-native animals (e.g., domestic cats and dogs) posing additional threats to native wildlife.
    • Poisoning:
    • Accidental and intentional poison use (e.g., rat bait) affecting wildlife through secondary toxicity.
      • Raptors (hawks, owls, etc.) frequently affected due to their predatory nature.
    • Electrocutions and Window Strikes: Elevates risk predominantly among bird species.
    • Competition with Feral Animals:
    • Introduction of feral species leads to resource competition impacting native wildlife survival.
    • Human Interference and Malicious Intent:
    • Unmanaged rescues and malicious actions toward animals resulting in harm.
    • Example: Well-meaning individuals can inadvertently harm wildlife during rescue attempts.

Types of Injuries to Wildlife from Human Activity

  • Generalizing potential harm to wildlife from common pet-related injuries, such as snake bites and tick paralysis.
  • Habitat destruction shrinking animal territories, impacting their ability to find food and mates leading to competition, stress, diseases, and increased interactions with humans.

Guidelines for Assisting Injured or Unwell Wildlife

  • Safety First: Assess your own safety before intervening.:
    • Avoid intervention on busy roads to prevent additional accidents.
    • Recognize aggressive wildlife and do not engage with dangerous animals (e.g., venomous snakes).
    • Contact wildlife carers or authorities if unsafe to intervene.
  • Document the Situation:
    • Take note of the wildlife's location using geographical markers.
  • Assess Need for Intervention:
    • Remember not all wildlife interactions necessitate rescue—juveniles may be with parents.
  • Minimize Stress and Handling:
    • Simple handling aids (e.g., cardboard boxes) can be used to transport wildlife to avoid stress-induced myopathy.
    • Keep animals away from children and pets to mitigate stress.
    • Prioritize urgent transportation to veterinary professionals or wildlife carers.
  • Avoid Feeding: Do not attempt to feed injured wildlife.
  • Return to Origin: Species-specific protocols to minimize relocation stress; return animals as close to their original habitats as practicable.

Common Wildlife Situations and Guidelines for Rescue

Juvenile Wildlife Interventions
  • Precocial Chicks (e.g., ducks, plovers, bush turkeys):
    • Capable of self-feeding but may need protection from predation; observe for parental return before intervention.
  • Altricial Chicks (e.g., parrots, pigeons, raptors):
    • Require constant parental care; return to nest if possible; if unresponsive or parents absent after an hour, seek immediate care.

Safety Protocol for Handling Specific Wildlife Types

Birds
  • Small Birds: Restrain by covering feet and beak; use a small towel for capture and transport.
  • Medium Birds: Similar rules; larger cages preferred for transport, ensure safety from potential pecking; prepare for aggression from waterfowl due to instinctual behavior.
  • Large Birds: Requires heavy towels; utilize large secure cages to prevent escape, cover them during transport.
Mammals
  • Possums and Gliders: Use pillowcases for handling due to sharp teeth; secure transport in boxes or strong carriers.
  • Macropods: Strong hind legs necessitate caution; properly designed bags are available for adult kangaroos.
  • Koalas: Use a cover for safe restraint; prefer solid transport containers to minimize injury risks.
  • Echidnas: Require thick blankets due to spines; guided coaxing into boxes may be used.
  • Reptiles: Handling protocols vary by species; utilize pillows or blankets for transport, especially for large snakes.
    • Snakes can inflict bites and use constriction as a defense; ensure proper handling techniques are employed.
Turtles & Frogs
  • Turtles: Considered stinky; employ proper lifting techniques (the "burger" method") and avoid direct contact with their heads to prevent bites.
  • Frogs: Handle with damp gloves to prevent absorption of harsh oils and via a wet environment.

Triage and Clinical Assessment

  • Priority Steps: Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC) followed by Disability assessment.
  • Triage Scale: Patients categorized from 1 to 5, 1 signifying immediate euthanasia and 5 indicating readiness for release.
  • Capture Myopathy: Causes severe stress response leading to lactic acid build-up in muscles; results in degradation and poses lethal risks. Common symptoms include excessive salivation, muscle stiffness, weakness, and potential death.

Euthanasia Process and Considerations

  • Context: Criteria for humane euthanasia must consider stress implications of sustained confinement in clinical settings and irreversible conditions. Large animals often require specialized approaches due to size and potential hazards.
  • Procedures: Euthanasia in veterinary settings is recommended under anesthesia or sedation; in field conditions, professionals can employ techniques like cervical dislocation or blunt force trauma if necessary and safe.
Community Involvement in Wildlife Care
  • Wildlife care relies on community awareness and involvement for successful intervention and rehabilitation.
  • Professionals and the public should work collaboratively to ensure the proper handling and care of wildlife in distress.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

  • Wildlife as a shared responsibility; every veterinarian or technician will experience wildlife encounters.
  • Safety is paramount - seek help to handle or rescue wildlife appropriately and efficiently, always prioritize the animal's best interest.
  • Euthanasia is sometimes the most humane response and should be employed thoughtfully.

Contact Information and Closing Remarks

  • Instructor: Ify Glen Dinning.
  • Open invitation for questions and clarifications on wildlife care protocols; emphasize collaboration and teamwork in wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
  • Endnote: Wildlife deserves quality care, reinforcing ethical responsibility to protect and assist wildlife where necessary.