There is an interesting and sad article in todays Seattle Times (page B6) on
Donald Kerr, founder of the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. The article
says he is suffering from viral encephalitis which was likely caused by cuts
received from the talons of a Great Horned Owl...the talons possibly having
contaminated blood on them. The man is seriously ill and that is indeed most
tragic. It makes me wonder if this method of viral transmission has occurred
before, and if those who regularly handle birds of prey are aware of this
potential.

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Fred Bird
fredbird at halcyon.com
1249 NE 92nd Street Snohomish County Council staff
Seattle, Washington 98115 206-388-3494
206-526-5671