NOAA Requests CVM Experts Participate in Oil Spill Response

Oil Spill Request: The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine received an emergency request from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for marine animal experts to assist in the Gulf Coast oil spill response.

Dr. Greg Lewbart, professor of aquatic animal medicine; Dr. Craig Harms, an associate professor of aquatic, wildlife, and zoologic medicine; and Shane Christian, marine animal veterinary technician, worked with the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans to rescue sea turtles who have encountered the spill. The affected species include the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, green sea turtles, loggerheads, and hawksbills.

In addition, in response to an earlier request, avian expert Dr. Greg Massey spent nearly two months in the Gulf Coast area rescuing pelicans, northern gannets, and other sea and shore birds as part of an ongoing relationship with the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

Additional information:

• Pre-travel WRAL video report;
• Follow-up report from WRAL;
• Follow-up report from NBC-17;
• Dr. Massey’s final blog from the Gulf Coast.