Although birds are beloved and widely recognized as integral parts of almost every one of our planet’s many ecosystems, bird populations are declining worldwide. The reasons for these declines are almost as varied as the places one can find birds, with habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade as three of the biggest drivers of decline in many bird species.
WCS has been active in bird conservation for over 100 years, and working with the WCS Ornithology Department and field programs, the WCS Health Programs have been an important part of those efforts. Our veterinary expertise has helped with mitigation efforts related to the poisoning and dramatic declines of Asian and African vultures; captive care and return to the wild of parrots captured for the pet trade; health assessments of long-distance Arctic shorebird migrants, and research and surveillance on the spread and impact of Avian Influenza on bird populations – and human health – around the world.