RROKI February 2025 Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER Donate here MONTHLY ONLINE DONATION APPRECIATION We would like to recognize the following people who made donations through our website, we truly appreciate the support! Melissa Sinkhorn, Christopher Jones, John Kern, Joan Franklin, Robert & Anita Leason, James Allman, Beth Yochum, Angela Stovall, and Kerry Millikin. THANK YOU! THE DANGERS OF BARBED WIRE (graphic images below) BY BRIGID KUNZLER Barbed wire is a popular fencing material for farmers to protect livestock from predators. If an animal gets caught in it, they thrash around in pain, while their fur or feathers and skin get twisted deeper into the barbs. It’s meant to destroy anything that touches it. I speak from experience when I say it slices skin open like butter and it's not something I wish on any creature. Earlier this week, we received 3 birds in a row who had been entangled in barbed wire – an Eastern Screech owl, a Great Horned owl, and a Long-Eared owl. The Great Horned has a chance and is currently being treated by our vet for several deep puncture wounds, but the EASO and LEOW weren’t so lucky. The EASO’s wing was twisted in a barb, and he suffered a severing of the patagial tendon, which is crucial for flight. Unfortunately, the finders of the LEOW pulled the bird right out of the barbed wire. The damage was extensive. The patagial tendon and propatagium were destroyed and missing. The radius and ulna were completely exposed from elbow to wrist, with no skin left. He sustained incredible blood loss. Sadly, all we could do for the bird was end his suffering. What to do if you find a wild animal caught in barbed wire : Cut the fencing on either side of the animal. Do not cut the animal, do not pull the animal out of the fencing. Get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator ASAP as we have the tools to remove the barbs while minimizing damage. If you have barbed wire on your property, please consider a more humane alternative. WHAT IS AVIAN INFLUENZA? Since January 1st of 2025, we have been doing our best to quarantine and keep our birds on property safe. Our facility has been closed to the public and we have cancelled or postponed all of our offsite educational programs until we receive the “All Clear” from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Below are some facts from KY Fish and Wildlife’s website about the virus that we would like to share with our supporters. Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is an infectious disease caused by a group of influenza A viruses. These viruses naturally occur in wild waterfowl and shorebirds, but they can infect other wild and domestic bird species, as well as mammals, including humans. The viruses are often classified into two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) based on the severity of the disease they cause. As of February 13, 2025, detected cases of HPAI in wild birds have been found in waterfowl and wading bird species in Kentucky, including the Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Sandhill Crane, and American Gadwall. Avian flu outbreaks are often linked to specific migratory seasons, particularly during autumn and spring when birds are traveling across their migratory flyways. The timing of these migrations can lead to seasonal surges in avian flu cases. Migratory birds, such as waterfowl, travel long distances and can unintentionally carry the virus across regions and continents. As they pass through different habitats, they may introduce the virus to new areas, which can lead to outbreaks. Additionally, interactions between migratory and resident birds during stops along the flyways can increase the chances of the virus spreading between species. HPAI is widespread in wild birds throughout the U.S. and has also been detected in a variety of wild mammal species in multiple states. HPAI has caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard flocks, as well as dairy cows. According to the CDC, there have been cases of HPAI in humans in the U.S. However, the risk of infection to the public remains low. HPAI viruses can cause respiratory illness, swimming in circles, incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, and head tremors. HPAI viruses are severe, causing high mortality in chickens, turkeys, and ducks, as well as any raptor that predates on them. While domestic poultry may experience high mortality rates from HPAI infection, symptoms vary among wild birds. Certain species of waterfowl may show no signs of disease, unlike raptors, shorebirds, and scavengers, which have reported high mortality rates, potentially impacting population levels. Infected birds spread influenza through saliva, mucus, and feces. Domestic birds can be exposed to the virus from contaminated clothing, boots, and equipment, as well as from wild birds or their feces. There is no treatment for avian influenza in wild birds. Only supportive care options are available and birds will often succumb to the disease. There's no readily available treatment for avian influenza in domestic birds. Euthanizing birds and properly disposing of their remains is currently the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease in domestic flocks. Here at RROKI we are doing everything we can to keep our birds safe, keep the virus off of the property, and still manage to help injured birds in need. Unfortunately, this comes at a great fiscal expense due to the cancellation of offsite educational programs and on-site tours, which fund most of our routine expenses including food and medicine. To date, we have cancelled over 30 educational programs, causing a loss of almost $10,000 in donations. Sadly, this money is not able to be recouped. These funds are critical to our continued work here at RROKI. We are also taking in more birds than ever that need our care, having received over 75 patients already this year. If you or anyone you know would like to make a donation to help us through this challenging time, please visit our website for information on ways you can help. https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/AvianInfluenza.aspx EASTERN SCREECH OWL CHICK GREAT HORNED OWL CHICK WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A BABY BIRD Under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and state law, it is ILLEGAL for any person to injure or possess an indigenous bird, such as raptors. Raptor Rehabilitation of KY, Inc., is licensed to rehabilitate injured birds by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. An injured bird requires IMMEDIATE specialized care and any delay reduces the bird's chance for recovery. Most veterinarians do not have the time, special facilities, or the practical experience to handle injured birds. When birds leave the nest for the first time (fledge), they often do not have full flight capability, and spend two or three weeks on or near the ground, attended by their parents. Please be a responsible pet owner and consider keeping your pet indoors during the sensitive nesting and fledging time. If the bird you find is NOT injured: 1. Be certain the area is free of any animal that can cause harm. Especially, keep cats and dogs away from the nest site. 2. If you find a bird on the ground, carefully return it to the nest. It is a MYTH that parents won't care for a baby bird once it has been touched by humans. Most birds do not have a sense of smell. 3. If the original nest is unsafe or destroyed, place the bird in a small basket. Bungee, zip tie, or use rope to tie the basket to the tree near the nest site, up as high as you can, out of direct sunlight. If you can't find a basket, use a margarine dish, but be sure to punch drainage holes in the bottom. 4. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the baby bird from a discreet distance. If the parents do not return in about 2 hours, call your local DNR or wildlife rehabilitation center for help. If the bird you find IS injured: 1. Prepare a small cardboard box by punching ventilation holes in the sides and top. 2. Gently place the bird on a towel and put the box in a warm, dry, quiet area. 3. DO NOT GIVE THE BIRD ANY FOOD OR WATER! Since the internal damage is unknown, it could kill the bird. Imagine finding a human hit by a car and trying to feed them a cheeseburger and a coke. 4. Call your nearest DNR office or wildlife rehabilitation center. Photos from Tina Hopkins from Russellville, KY. Would you like to have your photography of Birds of Prey in our newsletter? You can submit your photos to [email protected] Please provide your name and the location of where the picture was taken. Here at RROKI we specialize in Birds of Prey Only. If you find a Songbird, Mammal, or Waterfowl please use this link to find the right rehabber near you. https://app.fw.ky.gov/rehabilitatorNew/ WANT TO VOLUNTEER? You can download the form here . ADOPT A BIRD Would you like to sponsor one of our Educational Birds for a year? You can help pay for their care and schedule a tour to meet them! Please fill out the form and email it or mail it to us! WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE? You can send donations to the address below: Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Inc. P.O. Box 206186 Louisville, KY 40250-6186 We are in need of Vitahawk, if you would to donate this you can order it here . WOULD YOU LIKE A TOUR? Please email us at [email protected] Visit Our Site Let's be buddies ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

FEBRUARY 2025

NEWSLETTER

Donate here

MONTHLY ONLINE DONATION APPRECIATION

We would like to recognize the following people who made donations through our website, we truly appreciate the support!

Melissa Sinkhorn, Christopher Jones, John Kern, Joan Franklin, Robert & Anita Leason, James Allman, Beth Yochum, Angela Stovall, and Kerry Millikin.

THANK YOU!

THE DANGERS OF BARBED WIRE
(graphic images below)

BY BRIGID KUNZLER

Barbed wire is a popular fencing material for farmers to protect livestock from predators. If an animal gets caught in it, they thrash around in pain, while their fur or feathers and skin get twisted deeper into the barbs. It’s meant to destroy anything that touches it. I speak from experience when I say it slices skin open like butter and it's not something I wish on any creature.

Earlier this week, we received 3 birds in a row who had been entangled in barbed wire – an Eastern Screech owl, a Great Horned owl, and a Long-Eared owl. The Great Horned has a chance and is currently being treated by our vet for several deep puncture wounds, but the EASO and LEOW weren’t so lucky. The EASO’s wing was twisted in a barb, and he suffered a severing of the patagial tendon, which is crucial for flight. Unfortunately, the finders of the LEOW pulled the bird right out of the barbed wire. The damage was extensive. The patagial tendon and propatagium were destroyed and missing. The radius and ulna were completely exposed from elbow to wrist, with no skin left. He sustained incredible blood loss. Sadly, all we could do for the bird was end his suffering.

What to do if you find a wild animal caught in barbed wire: Cut the fencing on either side of the animal. Do not cut the animal, do not pull the animal out of the fencing. Get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator ASAP as we have the tools to remove the barbs while minimizing damage. If you have barbed wire on your property, please consider a more humane alternative.

WHAT IS AVIAN INFLUENZA?

Since January 1st of 2025, we have been doing our best to quarantine and keep our birds on property safe. Our facility has been closed to the public and we have cancelled or postponed all of our offsite educational programs until we receive the “All Clear” from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Below are some facts from KY Fish and Wildlife’s website about the virus that we would like to share with our supporters.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is an infectious disease caused by a group of influenza A viruses. These viruses naturally occur in wild waterfowl and shorebirds, but they can infect other wild and domestic bird species, as well as mammals, including humans. The viruses are often classified into two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) based on the severity of the disease they cause.

As of February 13, 2025, detected cases of HPAI in wild birds have been found in waterfowl and wading bird species in Kentucky, including the Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Sandhill Crane, and American Gadwall. Avian flu outbreaks are often linked to specific migratory seasons, particularly during autumn and spring when birds are traveling across their migratory flyways. The timing of these migrations can lead to seasonal surges in avian flu cases. Migratory birds, such as waterfowl, travel long distances and can unintentionally carry the virus across regions and continents. As they pass through different habitats, they may introduce the virus to new areas, which can lead to outbreaks. Additionally, interactions between migratory and resident birds during stops along the flyways can increase the chances of the virus spreading between species.

HPAI is widespread in wild birds throughout the U.S. and has also been detected in a variety of wild mammal species in multiple states. HPAI has caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard flocks, as well as dairy cows. According to the CDC, there have been cases of HPAI in humans in the U.S. However, the risk of infection to the public remains low. HPAI viruses can cause respiratory illness, swimming in circles, incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, and head tremors. HPAI viruses are severe, causing high mortality in chickens, turkeys, and ducks, as well as any raptor that predates on them. While domestic poultry may experience high mortality rates from HPAI infection, symptoms vary among wild birds. Certain species of waterfowl may show no signs of disease, unlike raptors, shorebirds, and scavengers, which have reported high mortality rates, potentially impacting population levels.

Infected birds spread influenza through saliva, mucus, and feces. Domestic birds can be exposed to the virus from contaminated clothing, boots, and equipment, as well as from wild birds or their feces. There is no treatment for avian influenza in wild birds. Only supportive care options are available and birds will often succumb to the disease. There's no readily available treatment for avian influenza in domestic birds. Euthanizing birds and properly disposing of their remains is currently the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease in domestic flocks.

Here at RROKI we are doing everything we can to keep our birds safe, keep the virus off of the property, and still manage to help injured birds in need. Unfortunately, this comes at a great fiscal expense due to the cancellation of offsite educational programs and on-site tours, which fund most of our routine expenses including food and medicine. To date, we have cancelled over 30 educational programs, causing a loss of almost $10,000 in donations. Sadly, this money is not able to be recouped. These funds are critical to our continued work here at RROKI. We are also taking in more birds than ever that need our care, having received over 75 patients already this year. If you or anyone you know would like to make a donation to help us through this challenging time, please visit our website for information on ways you can help.

https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/AvianInfluenza.aspx

EASTERN SCREECH OWL CHICK

GREAT HORNED OWL CHICK

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A BABY BIRD

Under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and state law, it is ILLEGAL for any person to injure or possess an indigenous bird, such as raptors. Raptor Rehabilitation of KY, Inc., is licensed to rehabilitate injured birds by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. An injured bird requires IMMEDIATE specialized care and any delay reduces the bird's chance for recovery. Most veterinarians do not have the time, special facilities, or the practical experience to handle injured birds.

When birds leave the nest for the first time (fledge), they often do not have full flight capability, and spend two or three weeks on or near the ground, attended by their parents. Please be a responsible pet owner and consider keeping your pet indoors during the sensitive nesting and fledging time.

If the bird you find is NOT injured:

1. Be certain the area is free of any animal that can cause harm. Especially, keep cats and dogs away from the nest site.

2. If you find a bird on the ground, carefully return it to the nest. It is a MYTH that parents won't care for a baby bird once it has been touched by humans. Most birds do not have a sense of smell.

3. If the original nest is unsafe or destroyed, place the bird in a small basket. Bungee, zip tie, or use rope to tie the basket to the tree near the nest site, up as high as you can, out of direct sunlight. If you can't find a basket, use a margarine dish, but be sure to punch drainage holes in the bottom.

4. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the baby bird from a discreet distance. If the parents do not return in about 2 hours, call your local DNR or wildlife rehabilitation center for help.

If the bird you find IS injured:

1. Prepare a small cardboard box by punching ventilation holes in the sides and top.

2. Gently place the bird on a towel and put the box in a warm, dry, quiet area.

3. DO NOT GIVE THE BIRD ANY FOOD OR WATER! Since the internal damage is unknown, it could kill the bird. Imagine finding a human hit by a car and trying to feed them a cheeseburger and a coke.

4. Call your nearest DNR office or wildlife rehabilitation center.

Photos from Tina Hopkins from Russellville, KY.

Would you like to have your photography of Birds of Prey in our newsletter?

You can submit your photos to [email protected]

Please provide your name and the location of where the picture was taken.

Here at RROKI we specialize in Birds of Prey Only.
If you find a Songbird, Mammal, or Waterfowl please use this link to find the right rehabber near you.
https://app.fw.ky.gov/rehabilitatorNew/

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

You can download the form here.

ADOPT A BIRD

Would you like to sponsor one of our Educational Birds for a year? You can help pay for their care and schedule a tour to meet them! Please fill out the form and email it or mail it to us!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE?

You can send donations to the address below:

Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Inc.
P.O. Box 206186
Louisville, KY 40250-6186

We are in need of Vitahawk, if you would to donate this you can order it here.

WOULD YOU LIKE A TOUR?

Please email us at [email protected]

Visit Our Site

Let's be buddies