Assessment of biosecurity practices in wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the United States: implications for COVID-19 and emerging diseases

Abstract

Implementation of biosecurity measures is essential in wildlife rehabilitation facilities (WRFs) to reduce disease transmission between wildlife and their human caretakers. Emerging pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, prompted enhanced guidelines, but the extent of facility adherence was unclear. A biosecurity assessment was conducted with U.S. wildlife rehabilitation facilities to capture facility characteristics and disease mitigation practices (e.g., quarantine, cleaning, disinfection, use of personal protective equipment). Responses were categorized into eight themes informed by NWRA and CDC recommendations and the hierarchy of controls (engineering and administrative controls, personal protective equipment). Facilities were scored for reported implementation or adherence, with a maximum score of 48. High adherence was defined as ≥39 points (80% threshold). Sixty-five facilities completed the assessment, representing diverse operational capacity and infrastructure. The mean total adherence score was 32.83 (SD = 8.33). Most facilities (71.7%) demonstrated weak alignment with biosecurity themes, while fewer than one-third (28.3%) reported strong alignment. Several practices to reduce SARS-CoV-2 risk, such as staff and volunteers isolating when sick, were sustained beyond the pandemic. However, mask-wearing (87.9% vs. 29.3%, p < 0.0001) and vaccination (67.2% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.001) requirements declined significantly. This study highlights both strengths and opportunities to improve biosecurity across wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Inconsistent adherence, particularly with administrative controls, underscores the need for targeted training, clear guidance, and scalable, facility-specific strategies. Sustained education and organizational support can reinforce proactive, prevention-focused practices, strengthen resilience to emerging zoonoses such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, and safeguard human and wildlife health.