In two independent studies, researchers found wildlife rehabilitators see the greatest abundance and diversity of animals of any type of agency that deals with wildlife, according to Dave McRuer, director of veterinary services for the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
“The problem is we also have the worst record-keeping,” he said.
Determined to change that, the center in Waynesboro pioneered efforts to develop a computer program for storing and sharing data among wildlife rehabilitators across the country. More than 45 organizations have begun using the database, which the center hopes will help improve animal care, influence legislation, pinpoint anomalies in wildlife health and possibly even provide an early warning system for bioterrorism, McRuer said.
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Wildlife center aids data-sharing among animal rehab sites