Covid Updates

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff are monitoring emerging information on wildlife health concerns related to SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2; the virus that causes COVID-19). The FWC is engaged with experts across the country assessing risks associated with wildlife contracting the virus. Information is unfolding rapidly on this topic, and staff will continue to apply available science to protect wildlife. Multiple resources are listed on this page under the categories listed below. This resource page is intended to provide information and guidance only.

For questions regarding wildlife in captivity, contact FWC Law Enforcement – Captive Wildlife.

Report sick or dead bats using FWC’s Bat Mortality Report Form.

For questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, contact the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 Center by calling 866-779-6121 or emailing [email protected].

CDC guidance website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/wildlife.html

Wildlife Rehabilitators:

• The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) information about COVID-19 and Animals.
• The CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 and animals.
• The CDC’s guidelines for veterinary clinics treating companion animals during the COVID-19 response.
• NWHC recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment and disinfection protocols when handling or working around wildlife to minimize or avoid transmission of SARS-CoV-2: NWHC Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Information About Coronaviruses in Wildlife.
• The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Fish & Wildlife Health Committee has produced guidelines for working with wildlife to minimize or avoid transmission of CoV-2. This document pertains specifically to bats.
• The NWRA position statement says that bats could continue to be rehabilitated as long as appropriate safety measures are followed, but it is worth noting that the National Wildlife Health Center is still conducting research to determine the susceptibility of North American bats to CoV-2.
• The NWCOA recommended protocols for anyone working in close proximity with bats to utilize proper PPE and follow disinfection protocols to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 to bat populations.
• Information on appropriate disinfectants and contact time.
• The reference book Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation, 4^th edition.
• The IUCN Species Survival Commission Bat Specialist Group has released two living documents with detailed strategies to reduce the risk of SARS CoV-2 from humans to bats. The first document pertains to researchers and the second document to wildlife rehabilitators.
• Rhesus macaques have been shown to be susceptible to SARS CoV-2 under experimental challenges.

Wildlife Control Operators:

• The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) information about COVID-19 and Animals.
• The CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 and animals.
• The CDC’s guidelines for veterinary clinics treating companion animals during the COVID-19 response.
• NWHC recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment and disinfection protocols when handling or working around wildlife to minimize or avoid transmission of SARS-CoV-2: NWHC Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Information About Coronaviruses in Wildlife.
• Information on appropriate disinfectants and contact time.

 Captive Wildlife Facilities:

• The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) information about COVID-19 and Animals.
• The CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 and animals.
• The CDC’s guidelines for veterinary clinics treating companion animals during the COVID-19 response.
• NWHC recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment and disinfection protocols when handling or working around wildlife to minimize or avoid transmission of SARS-CoV-2: NWHC Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Information About Coronaviruses in Wildlife.
• The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Fish & Wildlife Health Committee has produced guidelines for working with wildlife to minimize or avoid transmission of CoV-2. This document pertains specifically to working with felids, mustelids, and canids.
• Information on appropriate disinfectants and contact time.
• Footbaths for animal facilities published by UC Davis.
• Rhesus macaques have been shown to be susceptible to SARS CoV-2 under experimental challenges.