Abstract

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network, a state-affiliated program of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, responds to all marine oil spills in California, and often assists or acts in an advisory position during national and international spills. The OWCN has responded to >75 spills to-date. During the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico, current and former members of the OWCN served in various leadership positions. The disastrous nature of that spill garnered a tremendous amount of public and media attention, and veterinary professionals from around the world offered their assistance. Lack of training, as well as communication and political considerations, made it challenging for wildlife professionals to contribute their expertise. In the wake of the Gulf spill, the OWCN is developing a mechanism to enable interested zoological institutions, veterinarians, and husbandry staff, to both acquire the appropriate training and provide their expertise and assistance during significant oil-related events that impact wildlife. As we develop this process, we welcome input from our colleagues and hope to work with many of you to improve oiled wildlife care across the globe.