Finland is a frontrunner in caring for oiled birds. The unit for washing and caring for oiled birds is part of improving Baltic Sea oil spill response readiness.
The mobile container system manufactured by Morehouse is the first of its kind in the world, and it has been met with interest internationally, inluding in various European countries, the USA, and Brazil.
The bird decontamination unit consists of three standard-sized maritime containers and two tents, and it can process approximately 100-150 oiled birds in a 24h period when operational. The equipment has been planned in co-operation with the Finnish Environment Institute, Eastern –Uusimaa Emergency Services Department and WWF.
The birds are washed and dried, and receive veterinary attention in the containers.
One of the containers is equipped for veterinary procedures, one is for washing and the third one for drying. The birds are kept warm during the process, and fed as necessary. Before release the birds are moved into outdoor pools for a final check up. The rehabilitation period for one bird may take up to 10-15 days.
Previously, no dedicated rescue unit for oiled birds existed, and wash stations and treatment units had to be set up in places such as schools and sports halls. Rapid deployment of the first response is critical to the birds’ chances of survival. The mobility of the oil spill unit guarantees a quick start to the rescue operation.
The unit is based at the Eastern-Uusimaa Emergency Services Department in Porvoo, Finland.