Graduate Student: Nick Derene Adviser: James Hardin
Important research into the long-term effects of West Nile Virus, which is killing bald eagles, horses and humans in Wisconsin, was recently launched at the UW-Stevens Point. Wisconsin, like most states, relies on wildlife rehabilitators to help sick and injured animals. The center that is responsible for caring for most of the injured birds in Wisconsin is Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) of Antigo, WI. This non-profit organization, which was recently praised in Governor Jim Doyle's state of the state address, has been asked by the DNR to assist in such important projects as the reintroduction of trumpeter swans, osprey and most recently whooping cranes. However, the state has no money to assist with the critical rehabilitation if one of these animals becomes ill. "Donations are the lifeline of REGI," Marge Gibson, Executive Director, REGI. "Some of our patients require thousands of dollars in medicine alone, leading to an annual budget in the hundreds of thousands of dollars." One of the most impressive of the 500-1000 patients that REGI admits each year is the bald eagle. Unfortunately, the past several years have been hard on this national symbol. West Nile Virus (WNV), which produces a swelling in the brain, has been killing these birds. REGI, to date, has been the only place in the world where bald eagles have been successfully rehabilitated from WNV. This presented a unique opportunity for researchers to learn more about the virus' effects on an animal. Since there had never before been research on animals that recovered from WNV, an no one had ever looked at bald eagles with WNV, REGI teamed up with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) to follow these birds after their release into the wild. Graduate student Nick Derene, along with wildlife professor Dr. Jim Hardin, from UWSP's College of Natural Resources was brought in to lead the research. "This is a chance for scientists to get their first glimpse into the life of an animal after recovering from WNV. We just don't know if birds that appear to be healthy again will be able to produce offspring, hunt properly, or even survive the next several years" Derene says. He adds that up to 80% of the wild populations of birds might be exposed to WNV, most of which will be survivors. Research must be done to learn the long term effects of WNV, or we could lose thousands of animals across the country.
Researchers will attach tiny satellite transmitters to each recovered eagle with a harness that has been demonstrated to not affect eagles in any way. "These will fall off after three years, but tell me where they are every day until that time" says Derene. With this information, REGI and the UWSP will able to determine where the birds go, if they find mates, how healthy they are, and many other important facts. However, the project may be hampered by lack of funds, Derene says. The research cost of each bald eagle is around $10,000. REGI has only been able to secure $5,000 of the projected $65,000 project budget. Without more money, this vital research will not be able to take place. REGI is asking members of the public, companies and organizations to donate any amount they can. For a tax deductible contribution of $1000 or more, donors will be kept informed of the status of a sponsored bald eagle for the next three years and get a free tour of REGI's facilities where the rehabilitation of the bird has occurred. Derene says "This critical research could greatly help the wildlife of our country that is depending on its people to support it"
Pictures on this page provided by Nick Derene.
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