CASE STUDY by UV Resources
Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Ojai, California, the Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) stands as a beacon of hope for injured and orphaned birds of prey. Since its establishment in 2000, the center has been dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and education, focusing on raptor species such as owls, hawks, eagles and falcons.
The non-profit organization cares for more than 1,100 local wildlife patients each year and boasts a 60% rehabilitation release rate back into the wild. Its four-acre campus includes a wildlife hospital, outdoor aviaries, mews, and California’s largest flight pen, the Freedom Flight.
In addition to protecting birds from predators and treating injuries, ORC staff and volunteers must guard against airborne infections, such as 2020 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which can spread rapidly in close-quartered living conditions.
In response, the ORC began exploring new disease prevention and control avenues, ultimately selecting the SLX UV-C airstream disinfection system from UV Resources.
UV-C technology harnesses the germicidal properties of ultraviolet light to neutralize harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and mold. Unlike conventional disinfection methods that rely on chemicals, UV-C light offers a non-toxic and environmentally friendly approach to infection control.
It penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms, disrupting their DNA and RNA structure, rendering them incapable of reproducing. This mechanism eliminates the risk of disease transmission, making UV-C technology an ideal solution for maintaining a hygienic environment in healthcare facilities of all types.
Germicidal Energy Inactivates Pathogens
Installing the SLX UV-C system from UV Resources marked a significant milestone in the ORC's efforts to enhance avian healthcare. By strategically placing UV-C lamps within the center’s HVAC air handler, the system ensures that air passing through is thoroughly disinfected before recirculating throughout the facility. This proactive approach not only protects the health of the patients, but also safeguards the well-being of staff, volunteers and visitors.
Beyond its immediate benefits for raptor health, the SLX UV-C system contributes to the ORC's broader mission of environmental sustainability. The germicidal system’s continuous disinfection capabilities ensure round-the-clock protection against infectious diseases without the need for manual intervention or the use of chemical agents.
Best Practices in Avian Healthcare
By eliminating the need for chemical disinfectants in its HVAC systems, UV-C technology helps reduce the center's ecological footprint while upholding high standards of hygiene and sanitation. This holistic approach underscores the ORC's commitment to responsible stewardship of both wildlife and the environment.
In addition to UV-C technology, the ORC employs a comprehensive disease prevention and control approach.
Stringent hygiene protocols, including health screenings of potential incoming patients and using personal protective equipment (PPE) for its staff, further bolster its efforts to safeguard the well-being of the raptors. By adopting a multifaceted strategy, the ORC exemplifies best practices in avian healthcare and sets a precedent for wildlife rehabilitation centers worldwide.
Raptor Education & Community Outreach
In addition to its groundbreaking efforts in avian healthcare, the ORC is deeply committed to education and outreach, offering a variety of educational programs designed to foster a deeper understanding of raptors and their roles in our shared environment. Through interactive presentations, workshops, and live demonstrations featuring raptors, the center educates the public about the importance of these birds in maintaining ecological balance. The ORC's educational initiatives extend to schools, community groups, and nature enthusiasts, making the center a vital resource for environmental education.
Looking ahead, the Ojai Raptor Center remains dedicated to advancing the field of avian rehabilitation and conservation. Center staff continue to explore innovative solutions and collaborate with experts to enhance the health and welfare of raptors under their care. Through their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence, the ORC heals injured birds and inspires a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
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The Ojai Raptor Center is a non-profit organization that significantly relies upon donations to continue its important work, including the upkeep of buildings, staff salaries, and all the expenses involved with rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing raptors and other wildlife. Donations also help support the center’s educational programs. If you wish to donate, visit https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/donate.
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ABOUT UV‑C AS AN INDOOR AIR QUALITY SOLUTION:
Ultraviolet light or germicidal UV-C scrambles the genetic material in bacteria, viruses and fungi so they can’t replicate. Since the 1930s, UV-C has been proven to inactivate infectious diseases in commercial offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, schools, universities, and first-responder locations. Hundreds of successful, peer-review research studies have demonstrated its ability to halt these viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens. Even better, UV-C creates no hazardous chemicals, VOC, ozone or dangerous byproducts. UV-C disinfection technology can be combined with your existing filtration to create a layering of technologies that can capture and destroy pathogens without sacrificing airflow or ventilation levels. It’s one of the most affordable infection mitigation strategies. And it can reduce HVAC energy use by up to 20%.
For more information, contact UV Resources.