Call of the Wild Conference

16th Annual Call of the Wild conference
November 12-13, 2011

The Wildlife Center of Virginia invites you to the sixteenth annual Call of the Wildconference on wildlife rehabilitation. Wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary professionals, wildlife biologists, environmental educators, and wildlife enthusiasts from Virginia and beyond will share ideas and knowledge that can benefit wildlife, the environment, and the continually evolving field of wildlife rehabilitation.

The conference is sponsored by The Wildlife Center of Virginia, the nation’s leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife, and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

From first-time conference attendees to seasoned veterans, Call of the Wild 2011 has something for you. We hope you will be able to join us for this exciting event!

Click here to register for the conference

Please check back periodically as class descriptions are added.

Saturday
7:45 am – 8:45 am – Registration

8:45 am – 9:00 am – Opening Remarks

Session 1 – 9:15 am – 10:45 am

A. The Virginia State Wildlife Veterinarian and Wildlife Rehabilitators: Working Together Toward a Common Goal
This class will cover the role and responsibilities of the wildlife veterinarian within the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Discussion will also include an update on Chronic Wasting Disease and other pertinent wildlife diseases.
Dr. Megan Kirchgessner, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

B. Fractures in Raptor Patients
In this class, we will explore methods of classifying fractures, review how to read radiographs, and examine which type of fractures present releasable outcomes for the patient. We will also review how reading radiographs is an excellent source of anatomical instruction for volunteer staff members.
Keely Bargnesi, Avian Conservation Center, SC

Session 2 – 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

A. Wild Neighbors: An Update on Humane Wildlife Control (Not to Mention Some Thoughts About Feral Cats)
Ideas about how to bring humane wildlife control to people experiencing conflicts have changed greatly in the past couple of years. New methods, new approaches, new thinking and new energy are being infused into a field that badly needs it. This session will focus on many of the most current changes and especially touch upon how humane wildlife control will help prevent the influx of animals into rehab when not needed or necessary.
John Hadidian, The Humane Society of the United States

B. Utilizing Trained Raptors as a Conservation Tool
This presentation will focus on the various applications of non-releasable birds of prey in support of educational, medical, and research efforts. Topics will include selecting appropriate program birds, husbandry standards and practices, captive breeding and collection management, and training methods and behavioral goals.
Stephen Schabel, Avian Conservation Center, SC

LUNCH & NETWORKING – 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Session 3 – 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm

A. Aquatic Mammal Rehabilitation
Suzanne McBride, Wildlife Response Inc.

B. Songbird Rehabilitation: Presentations and Panel Discussion

Session 4 – 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

A. Rescued, Wrapped, and Ready for Rehab: A Bandaging Lab
This hands-on lab will allow participants to practice bandaging techniques commonly used in raptor and songbird treatment. Easy-to-follow handouts will also be provided to participants to use as a reference for future cases. Whether you are a novice in the bird bandaging arena or a seasoned veteran looking for tips for faster, more effective bandaging techniques, this lab is for you.
Drs. Miranda Sadar and Adam Naylor, Wildlife Center of Virginia

B. Capture, Restraint, and Handling of Waterfowl
Jennifer Gordon and Angela Santaniello, Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, NC

Sunday
7:45 am – 8:30 am – Registration

Session 1 – 8:30 am - 10:00 am

A. Current Threats Facing Bald and Golden Eagles in Virginia: From Mercury and Lead to Wind Turbines and Habitat Loss
Dave Kramar, Conservation Management Institute, Virginia Tech

B. Anything and Everything Squirrel
Linda Bergman-Althouse, Wildlife Rehabiltators of NC

Session 2 – 10:15 am - 11:15 am

A. Basic Skills For Wild Rabbit Rehabilitation
Diana Orr, WildRescue, Inc./Rabbit Rescue, TX

B. Climate Change and Emerging Diseases
Dr. Cindy Driscoll, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

C. It’s All It’s Cracked Up To Be: A Turtle Shell Fracture Repair Lab [Two hours]
Additional $10 lab fee required.
Repairing turtle fractures can be both frustrating and rewarding. The goal of this lab is to decrease your frustration and increase your confidence in putting the puzzle pieces of a shell back together using materials that are inexpensive and easy to use. This lab will cover prognostic indicators, materials, and the procedure of shell fracture repair. Class is limited to 20 participants.
Dr. Miranda Sadar, Wildlife Center of Virginia

Session 3 – 11:20 am - 12:20 pm

A. A Rabbit Rehab Room [workshop]
Diana Orr, WildRescue, Inc./Rabbit Rescue, TX

B. The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators as Sentinels for One Health Issues at the Wildlife and Public Health Interface: Case Report of Taenia crassiceps Cysticercosis in Woodchucks and Squirrels in Maryland
Recently there have been renewed concerns about tapeworm infections in wildlife populations and the risk to public health. Specifically, Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp. Infections are recognized in wild carnivore hosts (wolves, coyotes, foxes) that become infected by predation of intermediate host species harboring the cyst-like tapeworm larvae (cystercerci). Human disease from these tapeworms is considered rare but people and their pets may become infected when exposed to fecal-contaminated food and water, and from consumption of infected wildlife.
Dr. Patrice Klein, Second Chance Wildlife Center, MD

LUNCH & NETWORKING – 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Session 4 – 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

A. Metabolic Bone Disease: Prevention and Treatment in Wildlife Patients
Dr. Dave McRuer, Wildlife Center of Virginia

B. Fundraising
Leah Stallings and Mary Jane Stretch, Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, PA

Session 5 – 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm

A. Decisions, Decisions: A Choose-Your-Own Adventure Guide to Wildlife Medicine
Dr. Adam Naylor, Wildlife Center of Virginia

Fun & Social Events
Wildlife Center Tour – Friday 4 p.m.
Tour the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a hospital for native wildlife. Located in Waynesboro, the Center is just a few minutes away from the Best Western. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to the WCV; plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before tour time. Reservations are required.

Welcome Reception – Friday 7 p.m.
Join us in the pre-function area of the Best Western for drinks, desserts, and the opportunity to mingle with conference participants. Early check-in at registration table.

Meals at the Conference
The conference registration fee includes lunch catered by a local company featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees as well as side dishes and desserts. Please note that we will not be serving breakfast at the conference, but hotel guests may enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast buffet.

Accompanying guests who are not registered for the conference must pay a meal fee if they will be eating lunch with you.

Lodging
The conference will be held at Best Western Inn & Suites Conference Centerin Waynesboro, VA, conveniently located off of Interstate 64 at Exit 94.

The Best Western offers spacious non-smoking rooms with wireless internet access, cable satellite television, an in-room coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. This pet-friendly hotel features an array of amenities including a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, an indoor heated saltwater pool, and a fitness center. Many local restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel.

Price and availability is guaranteed through October 21, so be sure to make your reservations early! When making reservations, mention that you are attending the Wildlife Center of Virginia conference to receive the $89/night special conference rate. To reserve a room, please call the hotel directly at: 540-942-1100.

To cut costs, share accommodations! If you need help in locating a roommate, please contact The Wildlife Center of Virginia at outreach@wildlifecenter.org or 540-942-9453.