Outbreak Mitigation, Disease Investigation, Necropsy and Sampling

Join us for a full-day workshop (8 – 3 pm) focusing on managing large-scale field responses and implementing outbreak mitigation strategies. Morning speakers will provide real world examples of utilizing incident command structure and specific protocols during outbreaks, including zoonoses, and mass die offs, working with local stakeholders to ensure public health and safety, while prioritizing antemortem and postmortem sampling to achieve rapid diagnoses and ensure adequate data collection for long term research studies. This workshop is designed to ensure that participants receive relevant information and materials in addition to hands-on necropsy and sampling experience with various local wildlife species. Participants will learn correct application of protocols such as personal protection, and collection, handling, archiving and transport of samples. 

Transport to and from the zoo, morning refreshments, and lunch are included. 

Dr. Sarah Sharp is a veterinarian at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and is based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a global hot spot for marine mammal and sea turtle strandings. Dr. Sharp serves as the Animal Rescue Veterinarian and directs the Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program. She provides medical care for stranded dolphins, whales and seals and also studies marine mammal health and disease by performing field diagnostics on live animals and necropsies on deceased individuals. Sharp has expertise in mass stranding management and large whale necropsies.

Eilzabeth Wheeler is a wildlife disease biologist with extensive experience in postmortem examinations of aquatic/marine and terrestrial wildlife species. Wheeler is currently at Wyoming Fish and Game Department, overseeing the massive wildlife management areas and public engagement with hunters, fishermen, ranchers, and other stakeholders. 

Dr. Katie Haman is a wildlife veterinarian with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dr. Haman is the agency lead for One Health and Zoonotic Diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). She leads response and research efforts for wildlife health and morbidity/mortality events in Washington, with a specific focus on diversity (non-game) species. 

Dr. Martha Delaney is a veterinary pathologist specializing in wildlife species, aquatic/marine and terrestrial, for the Zoological Pathology Program (ZPP) and is a Clinical Associate Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois. Based at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Dr. Delaney provides diagnostic services to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, several other national zoos and aquaria, and marine mammal stranding networks throughout the country. 

REGISTRATION: $150

CONTACT: wda2026@wildlifedisease.org