On August 19, 2006, Andrea Kirk, Permits Administrator for Migratory Birds, attended the Wisconsin Rehabilitators Advisory Committee meeting held in Portage, WI.

The following issues were discussed:

·        Noncompliance issues

o       Rehabilitators who refuse to take injured animals

o       Rehabilitators without proper facilities and/or training.

o       Testing certification requirement for rehabilitator’s license within the state of Wisconsin.

·        Statewide Wildlife Health Updates: Need for a veterinary emergency clause addressing avian health issues that are a threat to public welfare; how should contaminated birds be tested and disposed of?

o       Avian Influenza

o       Newcastle

o       West Nile Virus

·        Directory: New website directory prepared by Jen Haverty of WI DNR that lists each rehabilitator and the species and conditions covered by that facility. There will also be a list of pending applications/in-process people.

The rehabilitators expressed the need for a simple guidance document issued informally by the Migratory Birds Permit Division. The guidance document requested outlines the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the rehabilitation requirements under that Act.

Upon completion, the document will be distributed to local law enforcement officials, such as game wardens so they are aware of the requirement that protected species be placed with federally licensed rehabilitators.