Partners 4 Wildlife is offering Treatment and Triage of Wildlife Patients: A Primer for Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Students

Course Description: This course will equip participants with the basic knowledge and resources to provide essential treatment to common wildlife patients before transfer to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Assess suitability for rehabilitation and provide euthanasia when rehabilitation is unlikely
• Identify major causes of admission and understand correlations with outcomes
• Create a network of support with rehabilitators and other veterinarians and veterinary technicians

This course is pending approval by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards' Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE®) for 8 continuing education credits for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the following Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.

Course Requirements: Participants must be veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or students currently enrolled in a veterinary or veterinary technician degree program who are interested in getting involved with treating wildlife, or who want to improve their knowledge on treating wildlife. Attendance at each of the four sessions is required.

Fees: 

• Veterinarians: $190
• Veterinary technicians and students: $50
• Participants practicing/schooling in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington state, or Alaska: FREE (must provide proof of licensure, employment, or school attendance)

Course Registration: All participants must register at https://z.umn.edu/ttwp. Participants that already have a University of Minnesota Internet ID should login and register using that account information. All other participants should register as a new user.

Course Schedule:

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 - 6:00pm – 8:00pm central time
Why is there a swan in my waiting room?
We will explore wildlife rehabilitation in the United States and the veterinarian's role, including a review laws and policies related to wildlife, how to prepare your practice to admit wildlife, available resources and support networks, and why veterinarians should contribute their expertise to this effort.
Instructor: Julia Ponder, DVM MPH - Associate Professor, Veterinary Population Medicine, The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine; Lead, Partners for Wildlife

Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 - 6:00pm – 8:00pm central time
A raccoon, an opossum and an owl walk into a bar…
We will delve into the primary considerations involved in treating wildlife, including special concerns on biosecurity and zoonotic disease when treating wildlife; the three outcomes of wildlife rehabilitation and the criteria used for determining which outcome is most appropriate; and animal welfare.
Instructors: Renée Schott, DVM, CWR - Medical Director & Senior Veterinarian, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota; Michelle Willette, DVM, MPH, DACVPM - Senior Veterinarian, The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 - 6:00pm – 8:00pm central time
Rabbits and squirrels and bats, oh my!
We will explore admission, examination, and treatment of common species admitted for wildlife rehabilitation in the United States. Through interactive cases you will learn how to triage species, identify common differentials and evaluate treatment options.
Instructor: Renée Schott, DVM, CWR - Medical Director & Senior Veterinarian, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota

Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 - 6:00pm – 8:00pm central time
Wildlife 911!
We will focus on handling common emergency conditions and treatments in birds, mammals, and herptiles. From head trauma and shock to poisoning and oiled birds, you will learn about the most critical lifesaving interventions, when to use them, and why.
Instructors: Renée Schott, DVM, CWR - Medical Director & Senior Veterinarian, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota; Michelle Willette, DVM, MPH, DACVPM - Senior Veterinarian, The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

About Partners for Wildlife: Partners for Wildlife (P4W) is a grant-funded initiative housed in The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. P4W works hand-in-hand with wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians to improve the welfare of displaced, ill, and injured wildlife of all species. Our goal is to achieve the best and most humane outcomes for wildlife, including better case management; more effective treatments; improved chances of survival and release back to the wild; and use of alternative outcomes where appropriate for the animal's best interests. P4W’s program region currently includes seven states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska.