Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin

Assessment of biosecurity practices in wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the United States: implications for COVID-19 and emerging diseases

Beth Nielsen — 2026-10-01

Implementation of biosecurity measures is essential in wildlife rehabilitation facilities (WRFs) to reduce disease transmission between wildlife and their human caretakers. Emerging pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, prompted enhanced guidelines, but the extent of facility adherence was unclear. A biosecurity assessment was conducted with U.S. wildlife rehabilitation facilities to capture facility characteristics and disease mitigation practices (e.g., quarantine, cleaning, disinfection, use of personal protective equipment). Responses were categorized into eight themes informed by NWRA and CDC recommendations and the hierarchy of controls (engineering and administrative controls, personal protective equipment). Facilities were scored for reported implementation or adherence, with a maximum score of 48. High adherence was defined as ≥39 points (80% threshold). Sixty-five facilities completed the assessment, representing diverse operational capacity and infrastructure. The mean total adherence score was 32.83 (SD = 8.33). Most facilities (71.7%) demonstrated weak alignment with biosecurity themes, while fewer than one-third (28.3%) reported strong alignment. Several practices to reduce SARS-CoV-2 risk, such as staff and volunteers isolating when sick, were sustained beyond the pandemic. However, mask-wearing (87.9% vs. 29.3%, p < 0.0001) and vaccination (67.2% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.001) requirements declined significantly. This study highlights both strengths and opportunities to improve biosecurity across wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Inconsistent adherence, particularly with administrative controls, underscores the need for targeted training, clear guidance, and scalable, facility-specific strategies. Sustained education and organizational support can reinforce proactive, prevention-focused practices, strengthen resilience to emerging zoonoses such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, and safeguard human and wildlife health.

Osteoma in the oral cavity of a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

Rachel Durrwachter — 2026-08-31

Tumors in skunks are not well-documented in the literature and are thought to occur relatively uncommonly. During an annual physical examination of a three-year-old, female, captive, education-program skunk at Mercer County Wildlife Center in New Jersey, two hard, spherical masses were found on the lateral gingiva of each maxilla. The right mass measured approximately 8 × 8 ×15 mm, and the left mass measured approximately 5 × 5 × 5 mm. The masses were pedunculated, and the degree of invasiveness could not be determined on pre-surgical radiographs. The masses were easily removed, and post-removal radiographs showed minimal bone lysis. Histopathology revealed an unencapsulated, but well-defined osteoma composed of organized trabeculae of woven bone in a loose connective tissue matrix. No such neoplasm in the oral cavity of a skunk has been recorded previously in the literature.

Weasels, minks and fishers—orphan rehabilitation of the slinky carnivores, Part 2: care protocols for orphaned infants and Juveniles

Peggy Popp — 2025-08-13

Mustelids are highly specialized, efficient predators with special care needs while in a rehabilitation setting. The following intake and orphan care protocols for select North American mustelids is a combination of natural history, literature review, established orphaned wildlife rehabilitation procedures, professional consultations and personal experience. The protocols address some of the unique characteristics and requirements of these slinky carnivores, while also providing tools necessary for successful rehabilitation and release. Part 1: Natural History (Popp 2024) discusses the natural history of North American weasels, minks and fishers, including physical characteristics, habitat and diet, and how these factors may be used to inform their intake and care protocols when brought into the rehabilitation setting. Part 2: Care Protocols for Orphaned Infants and Juveniles discusses vetted care protocols for orphaned weasels, minks and fishers based on their natural history and established orphaned wildlife rehabilitation procedures. Part 3: Pre-Release Conditioning and Release discusses the steps involved in preparing these species for a successful release.