The US Fish & Wildlife Service in Alaska is hosting an Oiled Sea Otter Medicine for Veterinary Professionals course. This efficient, COVID-safe course will help Alaska’s veterinary and spill response communities meet the “Standards of Response for Sea Otters in Alaska,” in the Wildlife Protection Guidelines for Oil Spill Response in Alaska (Section 4610.3.3), specifically: Medical care of oiled sea otters must be under the direction of a licensed veterinarian with experience or in-depth training in treating oiled sea otters.
Monday, April 12, 2021; 12:00 – 5:00 pm Alaska Time (AKDT)
Tuesday, April 13, 2021; 8:30 am – 12:30 pm AKDT
Dr. Pam Tuomi, IWR
Dr. Terrie Williams, University of California Santa Cruz
Dr. Mike Murray, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dr. Angela Matz, US Fish & Wildlife Service
In-depth medical information on the effects of oil on sea otters, associated injury and disease, treatment protocols, special considerations, and release criteria for rehabilitated sea otters. A virtual lab visit will include a sea otter physical examination and, if possible, a wash demonstration.
Veterinarians who may be treating sea otters during an oil spill response. Veterinary technicians, wildlife biologists, and other spill response personnel that may be involved in the capture, stabilization, treatment, rehabilitation, or release of oiled sea otters in Alaska are also welcome to attend.
To receive a certificate of completion students must attend both days of the course.
This course is free of charge.