Backtothewild.Com

Description

Dear Friends: This is my final update to ODNR, Division of Wildlife. They are looking at records from all rehabilitators in Ohio who received raptors suspected to have West Nile Virus. So far, no lab results are back yet confirming that WNV is what took such a toll on these birds. It has been devastating and of unbelievable magnitude. As suddenly as it began in mid-August, it has abruptly stopped. This is a great relief to all, but not knowing the answers and what will happen next summer is haunting. Hopefully, the greater percentage of raptors who survived this, have built an immunity, and will not be at risk next year and can even pass the immunity on to their offspring. Sure hope we have some answers soon. Thanks everyone, for your kindness in words of support and to those who were able to help us financially to deal with this - it has given me great moral support! Here is an update of raptors received at my center since August 14, 2002. We are all in hopes that this is a final tally and that this crisis is truly over! Thanks so much for your words of support you have shared with all rehabilitators. Sincerely, Mona This is a sad and horrific account of the magnitude of the toll that West Nile Virus took on Ohio's birds of prey. At Back To The Wild, there was a total of 105 dead raptors, with this photograph showing Great Horned Owls, a Coopers Hawk, a Screech Owl, and a Red Tail Hawk. These raptors died between August 20 and September 20, 2002 in Erie, Huron, Lorain, Ottawa, and Sandusky Counties of Ohio. An ODNR press release about the connection to the West Nile Virus is reproduced here.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby