NYSWRC is in touch with the NYDEC’s Special Licenses unit, requesting guidance for rehabbers during the pandemic. We will update here with any important information.

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center has released a pdf of important info including recommendations on PPE to protect wildlife. “It is not currently known whether the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that is spreading through the human population has the potential to infect North American wildlife. To address this knowledge gap, the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others are convening a team of disease and wildlife experts to quickly assess these risks and release interim guidance for human-wildlife interactions with an emphasis on wild and captive bats.”

Animal Help Now has released some tips from fellow rehabilitators in dealing with both the public and wildlife.

The American Veterinary Association has released guidelines for use of PPE in times of scarcity.

• Animal Help Now
• DEC official list

The New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Inc (NYSWRC pronounced “Nice Work!”) is a not-for-profit statewide organization that has been in existence for 39 years. The primary goal of our membership-based organization is to promote professionalism in the field of wildlife rehabilitation and to provide wildlife rehabilitators with educational and technical support.
NYSWRC encourages a strong network within New York and across the country. Our board consists of volunteer wildlife rehabilitators from across the state who meet bi-monthly to keep abreast of current issues and to continue work on educational projects. The Council has grown significantly in both strength and numbers over the years. New York has the oldest statewide organization in the United States and has gained national recognition for its many accomplishments.

• promoting the professionalism of licensed wildlife rehabilitators
• giving rehabilitators the field support they deserve and the educational services they need to appropriately care for distressed wildlife
• providing wildlife rehabilitators with timely access to the latest technical information through a system of network support

• working with governmental agencies to formulate better than adequate regulations concerning wildlife

• disseminating educational material and information to NY state residents about distressed wildlife

• and continually promoting the conservation of wildlife, their habitats, and other natural resources