Session Abstracts
The sessions are labeled by track and level to help you select those that you wish to attend. All sessions are open to everyone unless otherwise noted.
Beginner and General Lectures:
Introduction to Raising Orphan Mammals
Leighann Cline
The introduction to Mammals is designed for the beginner rehabilitator. This 50 minute presentation will cover the basics of rehabilitating Virginia opossums, eastern gray squirrels and eastern cottontails. These three species represent the top three mammal admissions a rehabilitator is likely to see and they are great species to learn basic rehabilitation skills on.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Non-protected but Perfect for Practice
Toni O'Neil
Many rehabilitators with a state permit consider going on and getting a federal (migratory bird) rehabilitation permit. But how do you decide if this is the right decision for you? One thing you can do is practice first before making that big decision and starting all the application paperwork. Legally - how can you even practice if you don't have a permit? Easy - begin with the non-protected species! The three species to work with are: English House Sparrow, European Starling, and Rock Dove (City Pigeon). They are the perfect birds to begin working with because they are fairly hardy, represent the sizes you need to learn to handle comfortably, and require the feeding techniques you will need to learn and practice.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Wintering Hummingbirds
Susan Campbell
(General, Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
NC Sea Turtle Protection Program
Kevin Geraghty
Kevin's talk is about the sea turtle protection program of NC, the roles of the volunteers. It will focus on the town where he lives, Emerald Isle. Also, he will present data on the DNA studies that have been going on since 2010. These studies show us where, how often, and how many nests each mother lays.
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Maximizing Education Programs through Improved Management of Non-Releasable and Captive-Bred Raptors
Jackie Kozlowski
The use of live raptors to enhance education programs is a powerful tool that can leave a lasting impression on our audience. The key to a success program is healthy, comfortable, and confident birds. This presentation will look at the philosophy behind training and how to apply these concepts to the daily interactions with our animals, as well as addressing problem behaviors. The overall objective should be working with birds of prey utilizing safe handling procedures and positive training programs that minimize stress and maximize success.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
The Development of a Flight Conditioning Program for a Rehabilitation Setting
Jackie Kozlowski
Behavioral actions occur hundreds of times over the course of a day in an animal's life. These actions or changes are triggered by either active or passive antecedents, which consequently contribute to the animal's benefit or detriment. As effective rehabilitators we have the option to influence their behaviors towards positive outcome favoring the use of positive reinforcement. This presentation will explore the development of a flight conditioning program utilizing behavioral change to decreasing stress and injuries while increasing emotional stability, physical conditioning, and over all quality of life of the temporary avian patients in our care.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
It's All About the Poop!
Sabrina Garvin
It's All About the Poop covers techniques for raising orphaned song birds, including many difficult species to rehabilitate such as Chimney Swifts and Carolina Wrens. The presentation includes dietary guidelines and recommendations, caging recommendations, and enrichment techniques.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Wildlife Nutrition
Jessica Kiracofe and Melissa Stanley
This class is focused on teaching the importance of proper nutrition for our wildlife patients. The speakers will discuss the needs of common mammal, avian, and reptile species and the specific dietary requirements of each.
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Wildlife Capture, Restraint, Handling & Transport
Leighann Cline
Whether you are interested in becoming a permitted wildlife rehabilitator, or you simply want to safely assist any injured wildlife that you encounter, this class is essential! Learn effective capture, restraint, and handling techniques used at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. This class will include photos and videos of appropriate capture and restraint techniques of some of the most commonly seen species in wildlife rehabilitation. Discussion will include the importance of learning and developing skills to properly ensure the safety of both you and the animal. We’ll also cover essential transporting tips to keep you safe and the animal as stress-free as possible.
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Basic Cottontail Rehabilitation for the Beginner
Jackie Wylie
This basic class will cover the general principles for raising baby cottontails. The class will cover general growth and development of the Cottontail, housing requirements, feeding and nutritional needs and release criteria.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Basic River Otter Care
Michelle Ray
This presentation covers basic care and handling, do’s and don’ts, feeding and husbandry of river otters. Michelle draws on her experience of raising river otters for Grandfather Mountain.
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Rehab in Higher Education
Nina Fischesser
Wildlife Rehabilitation and the use of wildlife in educational programming in a college setting is a relatively new concept, and can be a life changing experience for learners who work with injured and orphaned wildlife. Students in the program earn a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology with a Concentration in Wildlife Rehabilitation. This discipline, although integrated in a rigorous academic program, is experiential and is based on reciprocal learning, whereby students ultimately teach what they have learned. The program is in it's 12th year.
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Renesting
Elizabeth Hanrahan
Frequently it is possible to reunite an orphaned hatchling or nestling with the parents. Unless the parents are known to be dead an attempt should be made to renest, uninjured, healthy baby birds that have fallen from the nest.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Eating on the Fly! Basics of Raising Aerial Insectivores
Sharon Burke
In the summer of 2010, Tri-State Bird Rescue admitted 68 fledgling Martins, roughly 5x's the annual average. The majority of these bird arrived in a 72-hour period, so by necessity, many lessons were learned
that summer. This presentation will address the defining characteristics of an aerial insectivore, the various species that comprise this unique guild along with challenges their populations face, and most importantly, how rehabilitators can use the species' natural histories to improve husbandry and optimize feeding success of these young birds.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Preparing Songbirds for Release
Jean Chamberlain
This presentation first briefly covers the things that should be considered when preparing a songbird for release, both in preparing the bird (physical criteria, conditioning, acclimation etc.) and in choosing the release site (timing and habitat). The speaker believes we can, and should, do more to prepare birds for the wild than is typically done. She presents ideas on how to provide opportunity to improve food recognition, foraging skills and allow for song learning. The speaker urges us to gain more in depth species-specific knowledge of the birds in our care and to use this knowledge in preparing our birds for release.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Preparing Songbirds for Release - Species Specifics
Jean Chamberlain
This presentation is a continuation of one on Preparing Songbirds for Release. The speaker believes we can, and should, do more to ready birds for the wild than is usually done. She covers 6 commonly rehabbed species, suggesting ideas on ways to better prepare them.
(Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Raising Barn Owls from Egg to Release
Mathias Engelmann
This presentation will summarize the methods used at Carolina Raptor Center to raise captive-hatched and orphaned barn owls in preparation for release. Topics include appropriate housing at various ages, diet, and how to avoid imprinting.
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Working With Your Vet
Nina Fischesser
When starting out as a wildlife rehabilitator one must have the help of one or more veterinarians to assist in our very important work. This lecture aims to help new rehabilitators who are seeking to build relationships with veterinarians in their community. Areas covered are: approaching the vet, keeping the relationship healthy, working with the technicians, communication, financial agreements, and more.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Enrichment: Every Animal Deserves a Toy
Jean Chamberlain
This presentation covers a wide variety of ideas on what we can do to enrich the lives of the wildlife in our care. Not only our captive program animals but also those in long term rehabilitation deserve a rich environment. Our program birds and mammals deserve our continual effort to improve their quality of life.
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Triage and Initial Care of Mammals
Kim Ashby
I have a baby….Now what do I do? This presentation will cover: gather the important information you need to know from the public; how to complete an initial head-to-toe assessment of small mammals; triaging care for urgent problems; triaging care of multiple animals; and initiating appropriate care to ensure the best possible outcome for the animal.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Squirrel Ailments
Linda Bergman
This presentation is an overview of Eastern Gray Squirrel ailments, common and not so common. Linda shares information and procedures to assist you with recognizing, identifying, diagnosing and forming treatment plans if or when needed for this, often misunderstood but much loved by the rehab community, mammal.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE))
Three T’s: Tricks, Tips, and Techniques of Young Mammal Care: Everyday Rehabbing Hacks
Ann Rogers, Kelley O'Dell
Come and hear our ideas that might help you with mammal care, but we want you to bring your ideas, insights and inventions to share with the class.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Turtle Case Studies
Elizabeth Hanrahan
This presentation is a brief review of turtle rehabilitation including simple physical examination and initial observations.
Case topics include:
Dehydration
Ear abscess
Simple shell stabilization
Non invasive shell repair
Salvaging eggs
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Rehabilitating Orphaned Opossums
Kim Ashby
In this basic session, information will be presented on ways to assess and rehabilitate the healthy opossum. The class will cover general growth and development of the Virginia Opossum, housing requirements, feeding and nutritional needs for each developmental stage, and release criteria.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Advanced Skills for Rehabilitating Orphaned and Injured Opossums
Kim Ashby
This session will detail a variety of issues a rehabilitator may encounter when working with injured or sick opossum and will include information on tube feeding, bloat, wound management, special medication requirements, Failure to Thrive, Metabolic Bone Disease and ways to prevent or correct this condition.
(Beginner, General, Vet Tech CE )
If you can’t see them, are they there?: Zoonoses
Carla Johnson
Learn the importance of hygiene and good husbandry. Learn why you need to know about zoonoses and how they can be spread.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Fluid Therapy
Toni O'Neil
Fluid therapy is one of the most basic initial supportive treatments which can make the difference between life and death for wildlife patients. Program participants learn to responsibly and effectively evaluate: administration of fluids, types of fluids, routes and volume of fluid administration and monitoring the effects of fluid therapy.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Handling Wildlife Calls
Carla Johnson
'My dog has brought me a baby bird.' 'I don't think the mother rabbit is feeding the young in the nest in my back yard.' 'There's a bat in my chimney.' Carla covers many of the calls frequently received by rehabilitators and vet offices.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Imprinting
Jean Chamberlain
This presentation covers imprinting in both birds and animals and its significance to wildlife rehabilitators. The speaker discusses what imprinting is, how it happens, which animals imprint, and the precaustions we should take to avoid imprinting orphans on humans.
It covers the traditional view of imprinting in birds, the contribution of falconry to
our knowledge of imprinting, the use of imprinted birds as education birds and several examples of imprinting in mammals.
(Beginning Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Cottontail Forum
Sally and Alicia Weber
Sally and Alicia conduct an open forum for discussion on cottontails. Unusual cases, Q&A between the rehabbers, and the sharing of ideas and stories are all weclome.
Anthropomorphism
Sharon Burke
In a wildlife rehabilitation setting, it can be difficult to remember that our patients are not simply furry or feathered humans. This presentation is meant to be an open discussion regarding common scenarios where we can get into trouble, and will hopefully serve as a way that dialogue can be started with your volunteers about anthropomorphizing. We will discuss the history of the phenomenon, why we do it, and the risks AND the benefits that result from it.
(Beginner, General, Vet Tech CE)
Labs and Workshops
Mammal Physical Exam Lab
tbd
This lab teaches the basics of a physical exam for small mammals. Students are provided a dead specimen for hands-on practice. The lab is part of the beginner track and is approved for Vet Tech CE.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Sub-Q Fluids Lab
Kelsey Stover
Subcutaneous injections is the most common route for rehabilitators to give many medications and fluid therapy to the animals in their care. Here's your chance to learn the techniques, common locations, and gain some practice for subcutaneous injections of wild birds and mammals. The lab is part of the beginner track, is appropriate for intermediate rehabilitators who want to learn the technique and is approved for Vet Tech CE.
(Beginner Track, General, Vet Tech CE)
Avian Physical Exam Lab
Betty O'Leary
The lab teaches the basics of avian anatomy and examination. Students are provided with a dead specimen and an examination form for hands-on practice during the class.
(Wildlife Rehabilitators , Vet Tech CE)
Feather Imping Lab
Betty O'Leary
In this lab you will learn how to fix broken flight feathers by imping in new feathers. Imping allows you to release a bird now instead of waiting for it to molt. We will be using various species of bird cadavers for you to practice on after a short Power Point presentation.
(General , Vet Tech CE)
Mammal Bandaging Lab
Dr. Macy Trosclair
The practical lab will include instruction for bandaging mammals. Students are provided with a dead specimen for hands-on practice during the class.
(General, Vet Tech CE)
Veterinary CE Labs:
Turtle Shell Repair Lab
Dr. Gregory Lewbart
This session will provide hands on experience in the basics of turtle shell fracture repair using non-invasive methods.
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, Wildlife Rehabilitators)
Large Bird Bandaging Lab
Dr. Joni Gnyp
The practical lab will include instruction for management of an open fracture; bandaging (wings); splinting (in the form of stabilization).
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, Avian Wildlife Rehabilitators)
Mammal Bandaging / Splinting lab
tbd
This course includes both a lecture and a practical lab designed to instruct attendees in bandaging techniques for small mammals. Topics that will be covered in the lecture will be the indications for applying bandages and splints, a discussion of the basic principles of bandaging, and an overview of the most commonly used bandage techniques. Following the lecture, a practical lab will be held to allow attendees to practice their bandaging skills on a variety of small mammals.
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, Wildlife Rehabilitators)
Veterinary CE Lectures:
Falconry and Wildlife Rehabilitation
Dr. Joni Gnyp
Discussion of ways in which falconers exercise and condition their falconry birds as a means to show the degree of flight rehabilitation needed for release. Creance flight training will be discussed with release criteria based on creance flying.
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, Advanced Avian Rehabilitators)
HPAI Prevention Plan
Joni Gnyp
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, Avian Rehabilitators)
Toxicology
Dr. Carolyn Clay and Melissa Stanley
Toxicology for the Wildlife Patient: Looking beyond the toxicities so frequently discussed such as Lead, Rodenticide, and DDT. There are many toxicities that can occur from within the medical and rehabilitative setting. This course discusses a variety of toxicities not commonly discussed but worth evaluating across species typically found in a rehabilitation setting. You will leave with the ability to mitigate risks and recognize clinical symptoms.
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, General )
HPAI surveillance
Dr. Maria Palamar
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, General )
Unlawful Reptile Trade in North Carolina
Sgt. Mark Cagle
(Vet CE, Vet Tech CE, General )
Additional abstracts will be added as they are received.