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- A Request for Donations - Project Abstract is provided below The conservancy is calling for donations for the Harris Hawk WNV Project. This is a directed funds project and all donations on behalf of this project will be used to support this research. No Conservancy administrative fees will be assessed from these donations. Donations to the Conservancy are tax deductible as allowed the Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) code. Donations should be by check with the check made payable to: Conservancy of the Phoenix, Inc. Directed Funds - Harris Hawk WNV Project Conservancy of the Phoenix, Inc. P.O. Box 4988 Casper, WY 82604 FOR PERSONAL CONTACT Douglas R. McLaughlin, Corporate Attorney 1924 East 1st Street Casper, WY 82601 Phone (307) 577-5151 <> Fax (307) 577-0500 Correspondence maybe directed to the Conservancy at the postal address above or by e-mail to: phxcon@trib.com |
GOAL: Serum Testing of Harris Hawks and other raptors to determine exposure to West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) has been spreading westward for several years, causing sickness and death in both humans, horses and birds. It now appears raptors are especially affected by the virus. Additional field research is needed to answer questions like: what percent of wild birds have been exposed to WNV? What is the rate of survival of wild birds infected with WNV? Is WNV spread by birds migrating along the east face of the Rocky Mountains? How are relatively non-migratory birds such as Harris Hawks affected by WNV? Do wild birds serve as a reservoir for WNV?
PHASE I: During the winter of 2003 - 2004, raptors from Wyoming south to Texas will be trapped and banded. The West Nile Virus project will allow blood will be taken at the time of trapping and banding. The blood is collected, catalogued and stored for subsequent laboratory analysis. The laboratory analysis will be for antibodies to West Nile Virus. The results will provide researchers with information on what percentage of captured raptors have been exposed to the virus. It will also provide information to help determine if WNV infection rates vary from species to species. It will also provide information on changes or mutations in the West Nile Virus that may arise or be dependent on geographic location. The Center for Disease Control and others have expressed interest in this project, as the information will add to the base of knowledge being developed to help combat West Nile Virus.
FUNDING REQUIRMENTS: The expressed an interest of the Center for Disease Control and others has also been underscored by a willingness to pay for and perform the necessary laboratory tests. The success of the project will hinge on being able to obtain funding to meet the project’s other costs. Currently funding is needed to purchase portable equipment and supplies for the drawing, cataloguing, preserving and transporting the blood samples for analysis. funding is also needed to provide a portion of the travel and lodging expenses for two biologists as well as a portion of their salaries. The Conservancy needs $15,000 for Phase I of the project to meet these expenses.
PHASE II: The results of the testing need to be complied and the results published and disseminated to public health agencies being impacted by West Nile Virus. To meet the expenses of Phase II The Conservancy needs to provide $5,000.
PROJECT PARTICIPANTS: This project will be led by Dr. Jill
Morrow, an immunologist who currently possesses a master bird-banding
permit with Bird Banding Lab's permission to collect blood samples.
Assisting will be Dr. Morrow’s husband Lance Morrow. Mr.
Morrow is sub-permitted bird bander with Dr. Morrow. He has been
trapping and banding raptors for over 35 years. During each of
the past two winters these biologists captured and banded for
research an average of 275 raptors. It is anticipated, that funding
is provided, during this winter's project the Morrows will be
able to collect blood from similar number raptors for West Nile
Virus analysis.
For additional information please email the Morrows at jmorrow@trib.com
- or call 307-544-9009.
