Guidelines and Procedures for Submitting Dead Animals to the Wildlife Health Program
The New York State Wildlife Health Program plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting the health of wild animals in the state. In certain cases, dead animals can provide valuable insights into disease outbreaks, environmental hazards, and other factors affecting wildlife populations. To ensure the prompt and appropriate handling of dead wildlife, the program has established guidelines for reporting and submitting carcasses for examination and diagnosis. This article will explore the types of cases that should be reported, who to contact, the submission process, and important considerations for handling and disposing of dead animals.
Types of Cases to Report
The Wildlife Health Program is particularly interested in several types of cases that warrant reporting. These include:
1. Deer exhibiting neurologic signs, thinness, or found dead and appearing thin.
2. Any live or dead deer with ear tags, as well as live or dead elk, Sika, or Fallow deer.
3. Any dead moose, including road-kills.
4. Bald or golden eagles and peregrine falcons, as well as other raptors found dead of unknown causes.
5. Loons, swans, ravens, or avian vagrants.
6. Wildlife of special interest or marked/tagged specimens, such as endangered or threatened animals, or animals involved in research studies.
7. Bobcat, otter, fisher, weasels, and mink.
8. Any mass mortality or recurring mortality events of any species.
9. Instances where more than a single animal is found dead in a small area or short period of time.
10. Reptiles, salamanders, and frogs.
11. Exotic or captive species.
It is important to note that animals suspected of being rabid, including bats found indoors where human contact may have occurred, should be reported directly to local county or municipal health departments.
Who to Contact
If you come across a dead animal that falls under any of the aforementioned cases, it is essential to notify a DEC Regional Wildlife Office near you. They will be able to provide guidance on what actions, if any, are necessary for the submission or disposal of the wildlife in question. In cases where assistance from the Regional Wildlife Office is not available, you can contact the Wildlife Health Unit directly at (518) 478-2203 or [email protected] For the removal of dead animals suspected of being hit by a vehicle, please contact the highway department responsible for maintaining the road.
Submission of Animals for Examination
If the DEC determines that an examination is desirable, the Regional Wildlife staff will collect the animal(s) and make arrangements for delivery. If collection is delayed for more than 6 hours, it is advisable to place the carcass in a cool location or on ice. In cases where staff is unable to assist in the submission process, direct submission to the Wildlife Health Unit may be an option, but it is crucial to seek advice by contacting them at (518) 478-2203 or [email protected]
When submitting a specimen, it is important to complete the Online Specimen Submission Form. This form includes important information such as the name, phone number, email address, and mailing address of the person who found and reported the animal. Additionally, providing a detailed history/event information relevant to the submission, any identification numbers related to the specimen, a description of the euthanasia technique if applicable, details of human or domestic animal contact with the specimen, and any testing requests beyond determining the cause of death are also necessary. Including photos or videos of the specimen and the site can be useful in assessing the circumstances of a die-off. It is crucial not to submit specimens directly to the lab without first getting approval from the Wildlife Health Unit staff.
Handling Dead Animals
Handling dead animals requires caution to prevent any potential health threats. If professional assistance is unavailable or delayed, the following general guidance is offered:
1. Ensure the animal is dead before touching or getting too close.
2. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids.
3. Be mindful of teeth, claws, bone splinters, or porcupine quills.
4. Prevent exposure to pets or farm animals.
5. If packaging is necessary, enclose the carcass in multiple plastic bags and close them securely. For small animals, simply insert one or both hands in a bag, grasp the carcass, and enfold the bag around it. For larger animals or compromised carcasses, insert the bag into a can, pail, or bucket, then use a shovel to deposit the animal into the bag-lined container.
6. If examination by the Wildlife Health Unit is likely, place the bagged carcass in a cool location or on ice.
7. Disinfect any implements used in moving carcasses with a 10% bleach solution.
Carcass Disposal
If there is no reason for submission and you would like to dispose of a carcass for sanitary or esthetic reasons, there are several options available:
1. Burial in a location that will protect both surface water and groundwater from contamination. Ensure the carcass is covered with at least 2 feet of soil and keep it at least 200 feet away from wells used for drinking water.
2. Triple bag the carcass and dispose of it in a landfill.
3. In rural or suburban areas, move the carcass to an un-mowed, brushy, or wooded area at the edge of your property for natural decomposition. Ensure the area is inaccessible to children or domestic animals.
4. Contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) licensed company to remove the wildlife for a fee.
Disinfection Procedures
In case of exposure or contamination, it is important to follow proper disinfection procedures:
1. Skin: Wash skin thoroughly with hot water and soap. Consult a physician if you have sustained an injury, such as a bite, scratch, or puncture.
2. Tools, Instruments, Hard Surfaces: Immerse or flood items with a 10% chlorine bleach solution (1 part household bleach, 9 parts water). Let the solution stand for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
3. Clothing: Pre-soak clothing in a 5% chlorine bleach solution (1 part bleach, 19 parts water) for 10 minutes, then wash with hot water and laundry detergent. Other household disinfectant products may be used, but chlorine bleach is the most effective.
Conclusion:
Reporting and submitting dead wildlife to the New York State Wildlife Health Program is crucial for monitoring and protecting animal health and public safety. By following the guidelines and procedures outlined by the program, individuals can contribute to the understanding of disease outbreaks, environmental hazards, and other factors affecting wildlife populations. Prompt reporting, proper handling, and appropriate disposal of dead animals are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of both wildlife and humans.
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