covid-19 guidelines for wildlife care groups

In response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak, IFAW encourages wildlife groups to apply the following guidelines recommended by the Australian Government Department of Health and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) to ensure the health and safety of all volunteers and staff members.

Practice good hand and surface hygiene

• Wash your hands often with liquid soap and water over a 20 second period before and after touching an animal and its surroundings, and before and after doing a procedure or where there is body fluid exposure.
• Always wash hands if organic material (i.e. soil) is present, and dry hands with a disposable paper towel.
• If soap is not available use therapeutic alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Make sure to rub hands over a 20 second period.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces such as examination tables, keyboards, chairs, and door handles between patients and at the end of the day.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects such as pens & phones keys and equipment such as thermometers between patients and at the end of your day.
• Wash your hands before and after eating and after going to the toilet.

Practice physical distancing

• Keep 1.5 meter distance from other people where possible and avoid close contact with people you do not live with. 
• Wear face masks on public transport, and in other indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible.

Other recommendations

• Increase the amount of fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting the air conditioning.
• Make sure to place alcohol-based hand rub at key accessible points around the building – ie: near cages.
• Do not use bar/cakes soaps.
• Use other personal protective equipment as required.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue. Dispose of any used tissues or paper towels in the bin.
• Avoid touching your face especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Institute a no shaking hands policy in the premises.
• Do not go to work if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, particularly coughing or sore throat and get tested for COVID-19.

Animal relocation contingency plan

IFAW advises having an animal relocation contingency plan in the event a carer or worker(s) is sick, exposed to COVID-19 or the work capacity decreases due to government working and social distancing restrictions and animals in care need to be relocated to other carers or care facilities.

Mental and Emotional health

To care and rehabilitate an animal requires a selfless nurturing nature and wildlife carers, including volunteers, often prioritise the animal’s health and wellbeing before theirs. This is why, we urge all animal carers to take care of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally during these challenging times and invite them to check our partners Two Green Threads “Take Care to Give Care” guide for additional mental health support.

Australian National Coronavirus Helpline

The Australian National Coronavirus helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call if you are seeking information on coronavirus or presenting COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.

P - 1800 020 080

More information

For detailed advice and options on how to minimize COVID-19 infection risk and manage your animal care practice, please click on the link below:

• Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)

To access the Australian Government Department of Health therapeutic hand sanitizer formula recommendation, please click on list below:

• Hand sanitizers and COVID-19

For general and detailed COVID-19 up to date advice, please click on the links below:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC
• Australian Government Department of Health
• NSW Health website