Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Great Horned Owl

When this Great Horned Owl arrived at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center a few weeks ago from Loudoun Valley Raptor Center, the prognosis was grim.

The owl was exhibiting severe neurological symptoms, including tremors, dilated pupils, and ataxia (loss of balance and coordination). All signs consistent with West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that affects many bird species, but corvids (crows, ravens, and jays) and raptors are especially vulnerable.

Birds arriving with neurological symptoms this severe often do not survive.

But this owl had other plans!

After surviving the first critical 24 hours, this patient began making slow but steady progress. Last week, despite significant balance issues, we were able to move the owl into an outdoor enclosure.

And now?

This patient is flying from perch to perch in a larger flight cage!

There is still a long road ahead. The owl continues to struggle with coordination, and the prognosis for release remains guarded. But every small improvement is worth celebrating!

So, why should you care about an owl with West Nile Virus? Because the same disease that threatens this owl can threaten you, too.

As the CDC illustration below shows, West Nile Virus circulates primarily between birds and mosquitoes. Infected mosquitoes transmit the virus to birds, which can then infect other mosquitoes.

Humans and horses can also become infected through mosquito bites, but they’re considered “dead-end hosts” because they generally cannot transmit the virus back to mosquitoes.

While most infected people experience no symptoms, West Nile Virus can cause serious neurological illness and even death in rare cases.

This is a perfect example of One Health, the concept that the health of people, animals, and our shared environment are fundamentally connected.

Changes in mosquito populations, weather patterns, habitat, and wildlife health can all influence the risk of disease in our communities. And because wildlife are often exposed to environmental threats before humans recognize them, they can provide important early warnings about emerging public health concerns.

That’s one reason wildlife rehabilitation is about so much more than saving individual animals. Every patient we treat offers an opportunity to better understand the diseases and environmental challenges affecting wildlife and, ultimately, our own communities.

Although West Nile Virus season is winding down, we’re still seeing suspected cases. We’re also entering the colder months, when highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) tends to become more prevalent. Both diseases can cause neurological symptoms in birds, although their transmission risks to humans are very different.

If you encounter a bird that appears disoriented, uncoordinated, or unable to stand or fly normally, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before attempting to handle it. Always follow their guidance on safe handling and appropriate protective equipment.

Protecting wildlife health, human health, and environmental health isn’t three separate missions. It’s one.

And for this particular owl, we’re hopeful that mission will end with a return to the wild!

Trick or Tweet at BOOOO-Ridge Wildlife Center

Join us for trick-or-treating with our Wildlife Ambassadors, pumpkin painting, and an “Creatures of the Night” chat to uncover the secrets of nature’s nocturnal dwellers!

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.