Treatment and rehabilitation of wild birds and mammals

B-877 [1-5] Indian J. Anim. Res., 52 (4) 2018 : 623-627 Print ISSN:0367-6722 / Online ISSN:0976-0555 AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATION CENTRE www.arccjournals.com/www.ijaronline.in Treatment and rehabilitation of wild birds and mammals Logman Aslan 1 *, Özdemir Adizel 2 and Tunahan Sancak 3 Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, Wild Animals Protection and Rehabilitation Center, Van, Turkey. Received: 13-12-2017 Accepted: 31-01-2018 DOI: 10.18805/ijar.B-877 ABSTRACT Today, the ecosystem is being rapidly destroyed due to habitat loss, animal hunting, road construction, raising of transmission lines, general pollution, and agricultural activities, in addition to many other factors, all of which directly and indirectly affect wildlife. By necessity, rehabilitation units are available for the care and treatment of wild birds and mammals in need of life support. This paper discusses data collected regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of wild mammals and birds brought to the Center for Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation at Van Yüzüncü Yýl University from 2009-2016. During the course of the present study, total 145 wild animals including 117 birds and 28 mammals. Out of the total treated, 96 wild birds and 21 wild mammals recovered, 12 birds and 4 mammals died without responding to treatments, whereas 9 birds and 3 mammals were euthanized. Additionally, of the 96 birds and 21 mammals that recovered, 15 birds and 6 mammals were determined to be unable to survive in their natural habitats, and were sent to zoo gardens or wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centers. The remaining 96 animals that fully recovered were released back into their natural habitats. Key words: Anesthesia, Raptors, Rehabilitation, Treatment, Wild mammals, Wildlife. INTRODUCTION The ecosystem, with its wealth of flora, fauna and biodiversity, is one of the most important natural resources of any country. Preserving habitats and biodiversity is essential for the continued survival of all living creatures on Earth (Ergün, 2006). Wetlands, which are significant natural resources, are crucial for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, and for maintaining an ecological balance (Kıymaz, 2010). Turkey represents a bridge between Eastern Europe and Western Asia in terms of animal migration. In addition, Turkey has a high degree of biodiversity due to the vast number of habitats. According to the most recent ornithological data, 513 species and 9 subspecies of birds can be found in Turkey (Kiziroğlu, 2015). Furthermore, 232 of these bird species were reported to be found around the Lake Van basin (Adizel et al., 2016). The number of animal species living in Anatolia is constantly increasing, which now exhibits high mammalian diversity. According to the most recent data, 161 species of mammals are known to live within the country (Albayrak, 1990; Albayrak et al., 1997). Additionally, it is understood that 41 mammal species reside around the Lake Van basin (Demirsoy, 1996). Numerous factors, including the progression of agricultural borders, construction of hydroelectric power plant dams and illegal hunting, endanger this biodiversity, and contribute to the destruction of the wild animals habitats. Furthermore, these factors are partially responsible for decreases in the wild animal population. Diseases, inadequate shelter areas, poor nutrition, migration fatigue and other negative environmental conditions are all major obstacles to the protection of endangered species (Oda et al., 2009). Another factor that has an impact on wildlife worldwide is automobile collisions. Animals frequently die or suffer injury as a result of collisions with motorized vehicles; the annual number of avian casualties per kilometer is reported to be 44 on Indian roads (Sharma, 1988) and 27 on Turkish roads (Kiziroğlu et al., 2013). As a result, wild animals often require treatment and rehabilitation, of which birds require the most care. The birds reported as injured have varied from small species up to birds of prey, and have included both newborns and heavily injured birds (Fleming, 2005). Successful rehabilitation of wildlife is achieved through preparation of clear protocols for clinical care, which require experienced practitioners; predominantly the veterinarians. Conservation of wildlife, and the treatment *Corresponding author s e-mail: logmanaslan@gmail.com 1 Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Wild Animals Protection and Rehabilitation Center, Van, Turkey. 2 Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Van, Turkey. 3 Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Surgery, Van, Turkey.

624 INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH and rehabilitation of injured animals, both depend on establishing and maintaining proper relationships between veterinarians, rehabilitation specialists and the injured wild animals (Miller, 2000). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performed studies related with endangered wild animals which were brought in to the nature subsequent to the treatments in rehabilitation center. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we assessed various wild animals brought to the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Veterinary Science Department of Surgery and Wild Animal Conversation and Rehabilitation Centre between 2009 and 2016 (Table 1). All animal-use protocols were performed in accordance with the guide of Wild Animal Conversation and Rehabilitation Centre on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (protocol number 2012/08.11). The treatments administered included liquid therapy, radiography, surgical intervention and improved nutrition. A physical examination was carried out to assess the overall status of the animals and the location of the injuries, following which radiographical techniques were used to evaluate pathology. The maladies identified were categorized as starvation, poisoning, migration fatigue, injury and /or fracture (Table 2). For this purpose, 5% dextrose (Polifleks ) and lactated Ringer s solution (Polifleks ) was administered 50 ml/kg/day subcutaneously. This dose was administered by Table 1: Yearwise distribution of wild animals. dividing into two or three times per a day for the wild birds. For wild mammals, 5% dextrose (Polifleks ) and lactated Ringer s solution (Polifleks ) was administered 20 ml/kg intravenously. Any parasitic infections identified in the birds and mammals were also treated with standard protocols. For situations requiring surgical intervention, wounds were first irrigated with a 0.5% povidone iodine solution. For more superficial wounds, a mixture of nitrofurazone (Furacin - ZØNTÝVA) and Centella asiatica extract (Madecassol -BAYER) was prepared and administered, following which the wound area was covered with a sterile dressing. These wound dressings were replaced daily until they had completely healed. Deep wounds were stitched after removing necrotic particles by irrigation. Surgery was performed when fractures were detected as a result of the physical or radiographical examination. The general and surgical anesthesia protocols were as follows: intramuscular administration of xylazine HCl (1.5 mg/kg) + ketamine HCl (18.5 mg/kg) for wild birds (Marx, 2006; Samour, 2007); intramuscular application of ketamine (7 mg/kg) + xylazine (2 mg/kg) for grey wolf; ketamine (20 mg/kg) + xylazine (1 mg/kg) for red fox; ketamine (5 mg/kg) + xylazine (0.7 mg/kg) for Eurasian lynx; ketamine (40 mg/kg) + xylazine (1 mg/kg) for weasel; xylazine (2.5 mg/kg) + tiletamine-zolezapam (3.8 mg/ kg) for brown bear; ketamine (30 mg/kg) + xylazine (3 mg/kg) for beech marten; ketamine (16 mg/kg) + xylazine (6 mg/ kg) for badger; and ketamine (8 mg/kg) + xylazine (2 mg/ kg) for Indian crested porcupine (West et al., 2007). Animal Species 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) 3 1 3 1 1 1 Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) 2 1 2 1 2 Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) 2 1 1 2 Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) 2 1 2 1 2 1 Great Bustard (Otis tarda) 1 2 Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) 1 3 2 3 1 3 1 Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) 2 2 1 3 1 Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo) 2 1 Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) 2 3 5 1 4 1 1 Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) 2 1 1 2 2 1 3 Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) 3 2 2 3 1 5 1 Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) 1 1 1 Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) 1 1 2 1 Black Kite (Milvus migrans) 1 1 1 1 Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) 1 2 1 2 Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) 1 1 1 2 1 1 Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) 1 1 Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) 1 1 Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) 1 Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) 1 2 Beech Marten (Martes foina) 1 1 1 2 European Badger (Meles meles) 1 Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) 1

Volume 52 Issue 4 (April 2018) 625 Table 2: Distribution of wild animals by disease status. Animal Species Hunger Parasite Migration Injuries Unspecified Broken infestation fatigue Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) 7 1 2 Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) 5 Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) 2 3 1 Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) 1 5 1 2 Great Bustard (Otis tarda) 3 Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) 1 3 5 1 4 Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) 3 5 1 Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo) 2 1 Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) 2 9 1 5 Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) 2 5 1 4 Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) 2 8 2 5 Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) 1 1 1 Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) 2 2 1 Black Kite (Milvus migrans) 2 1 1 Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) 1 2 3 Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) 1 2 2 2 Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) 2 Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) 2 Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) 1 Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) 2 1 Beech Marten (Martes foina) 1 1 2 1 European Badger (Meles meles) 1 Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) 1 Table 3: Distribution of wild animals by treatment results Treatment Results Birds Mammals Fully recovered and released into its natural habitat 81 15 Recovered but continued to live in the rehabilitation center 15 6 Died during treatment 12 4 Euthanized 9 3 For displaced fractures, following the application of an intramedullary pin, cerclage wire and plaque support dressings were applied for mammals, and dressings on the wings and support dressings on the legs were applied for birds. Support dressings were applied for 15 days. For cracks and non-displaced fractures in mammals, plaster and support dressings were applied. Splints and dressings were applied for cracks and non-displaced fractures of the humerus, radius or ulna of birds; sandwich splints were applied for cracks and fractures of the carpal and metacarpal bones. Cage rest was used in cases of greenstick fractures in nestlings and young birds (Marx, 2006). In injury cases, intramuscular amoxicillin sodium + potassium clavulanate was administered (150 mg/kg dose) to birds, and intramuscular amoxicillin + potassium clavulanate (8,75 mg/kg dose) was administered to mammals for 7 days. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION All the animals brought to our center during the study were birds or mammals. No treatments had been administered prior to the animals being brought in by regional forest directorate officials or local residents; the fractures and wounds were open in the majority of cases. Exposed wounds responded to treatment rapidly, and the recovery time was short. In deep and/or necrotic wounds, response to treatment took longer, and some wounds did not heal. In cases where necrosis had occurred on the legs, tails or wings, amputation was performed. Euthanasia was performed on animals that had exposed fractures and did not improve. 96 wild birds and 21 wild mammals recovered as a result of treatments, and 12 wild birds and 4 wild mammals was died while treatment is ongoing. Of the recovered animals, 15 birds and 6 mammals were determined to be unable to survive in their natural habitats, so that they continue to live in the wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centers. The remaining 81 birds and 15 mammals that fully recovered were released back into their natural habitats. In addition, euthanasia was performed on 9 wild birds and 3 wild mammals as they did not respond to the treatments (Table 3). Environmental pressures introduced by an increasing population and a growing economy, especially regarding the energy, industry, agriculture, transportation, mining and tourism sectors, have a negative impact on the

626 INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH ecosystem (Baykan, 2008; Heper and Sayari, 2012). In addition, overgrazing, land hunting, climate change and environmental pollution are some of the factors that threaten biodiversity (Doğan et al., 2010). Therefore, universities, local administrations and society have to propose novel solutions for sustaining biodiversity, including raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and making wetlands more attractive to both wildlife and humans. Although first aid and emergency response efforts are important for all living creatures, it is critical for birds, as their lower physiological reserves do not tolerate even minor neglect (Gonzalez and Carrasco, 2016). In addition, complex fractures may cause birds to quickly develop dehydration and shock due to a lack of feeding. For critically injured birds, osteosynthesis has been reported as useful following the temporary stabilization of fractures and the general improvement of their condition (Aslan et al., 2009). In this study, 55.16% of the cases brought in had received no prior first aid, emergency response or adequate stabilization, and dehydration and overall condition disorder were observed, as well as malnutrition. The birds that did not receive first aid or emergency care did not respond to further treatments and subsequently died. Fractures in some birds are caused by firearm injuries during the migration periods of February-April and September-November (Kibar and Bumin, 2006). In cases of spinal, beak and joint fractures, fractures of the femur and humerus in which the edges are separated and displaced, and exposed leg fractures, euthanasia is recommended (Duer 2010). In addition, wound surfaces should be irrigated, and necrotic tissue and bacteria should be removed in cases of infected and contaminated superficial wounds. Positive results have reportedly been obtained following the lavage of wounds exhibiting tissue loss and necrosis after infection and contamination is prevented (Rithie et al., 1994). Overall, 20.68% of the wild birds included in this study were brought in during the migration seasons; these birds frequently had infected wounds and the fracture edges were necrotic. While euthanasia was performed in ~30% of such cases, ~70% were subsequently sent to zoo gardens or physical therapy and rehabilitation centers following amputation of the relevant extremity. The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) defines wildlife rehabilitation as the treatment and temporary care of wounded, sick and/or displaced animals, and subsequent release of the healthy animals back into their habitats (Miller, 2012). The rehabilitation process may vary according to the species and the injuries (Green, 2003). Following an initial evaluation and treatment, animals are sent to a rehabilitation center for further care and eventual release. In general, surgical procedures are carried out in these centers (Vogelnest, 2008). For the animals brought to the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Veterinary Science Department of Surgery and Wild Animal Conversation and Rehabilitation Centre, the treatment and rehabilitation techniques, including liquid therapy, radiography and surgery, were carried out in accordance with the protocols set out by the IWRC. All animals received sufficient nutrition, and physical therapy was administered to those that could not use their legs or wings following surgical intervention. CONCLUSION Study concludes that the public should be informed regarding the problems encountered by injured wild animals. In addition, public awareness about illegal hunting should be raised, and veterinarians should receive further training in order to provide better care and rehabilitation for wild animals brought to specialized centers and hospitals. Following these awareness efforts, it is predicted that injuries to wildlife will decrease, casualties will be minimized, the natural balance of the ecosystem will be preserved, and the care of sick and injured wild animals may be carried out successfully. REFERENCES Adızel, Ö., Durmuş, A., and Kiziroğlu, İ. (2016). Lake van basin typs of bird species. V. International Eurasian Ornithology Congress, Turkey. 10 13 May. pp. 33. Albayrak, İ. (1990). The bats of Eastern Anatolia and their distribution (Mammalia: Chiroptera). Turk J Zool, 14:214-228. Albayrak, İ., Pamukoðlu, N., and Aþan, N. (1997). Bibliography of turkish carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivore). Communication Fas. des. Scien. de L univ. d-ankara. Series C, 15:1-20. 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