Bats and Covid-19 Virus. With America in lock down and social distancing, readers are probably tired of hearing about Covid-19. But concerns raised by the US Fish and Wildlife Service about the possibility of Covid-19 virus being spread from humans to bats and vice versa, caused the National Wildlife Control Operators Association to issue a position statement to wildlife control operators (WCOs). Wildlife Control Consultant, is publishing this letter because whether you are a NWCOA member or not (and you should be), WCOs should work in a manner that protects clients and the natural resource (bats). The material between the horizontal lines is the letter from NWCOA. The Association is responsible for its content. Questions related to this letter should be directed to NWCOA.
Wildlife Control Operators,
The National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) has been made aware of some issues being discussed by wildlife biologists concerning bats in North America and the Covid-19 virus.
These discussions have the potential to affect commercial and residential services provided for bats in the future. The inability for Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs) to conduct work on bats carries potential health risks to the public and financial impacts on WCOs, while also risking an increase in a “Do-it yourself” approach to bat remediations, putting bats at even more risk.
To alleviate the concerns of biologists, and to protect operators and the public, NWCOA has put forth recommended Personal Protection Guidelines (PPE) for working with and handling bat populations. These guidelines have already primarily been in place due to White-nose Syndrome (WNS).
Addressing regulator’s and wildlife biologist’s concerns, while also protecting the wildlife control industry and the general public is the driving force behind these guidelines. In the off chance that the concerns being discussed at the state and federal level become a reality, protecting bat populations in North America is paramount. NWCOA believes these guidelines will do just that.
CLICK HERE for the NWCOA Recommended Personal Protection Guidelines (PPE).
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.
