Earlier this week, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expanded its long-term contract with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to provide more wildlife technicians in the state to dispose of dead waterfowl, raptors, and other birds that could be carrying Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The federal agency specializes in eliminating and removing sick or dead wild birds. Their staff are trained and prepared to handle the biosecurity risks associated with these activities. The $30,000 contract expansion will enable the agency to provide additional staff and services to the state for these operations through September. Anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild should not handle or move the birds, but should report them to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by calling 1-877-463-6497. USDA Wildlife Services operators are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on state holidays. Those with phone numbers outside of Maryland should call 410-349-8055. Voicemails will be promptly returned. DNR’s regular contract with USDA’s APHIS is $80,000 per year, which helps the state triage approximately 30,000 calls related to sick, injured, or dead wildlife. Key staff in DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service and Maryland Park Service are […]
The post UPDATE: Department of Natural Resources Expands Dead Wild Bird Collection Efforts Due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza appeared first on Southern Maryland News Net.
Source: https://smnewsnet.comNew feed
Be First to Comment