New guidelines for disease surveillance released to better protect wildlife

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have released updated guidelines for the surveillance of diseases, pathogens, and toxic agents in free-ranging wildlife. These guidelines are designed for wildlife authorities and those working with wildlife, and provide a framework to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with wildlife diseases and their potential impact on human health. 

Conducting wildlife surveillance to safeguard biodiversity 

Over 60% of human pathogens are zoonotic, meaning they can jump from animals to humans. While surveillance of domestic animals is widely conducted, surveillance of wildlife remains limited. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species recognizes disease as a significant threat to species survival. Additionally, the overlap between biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and emerging infectious diseases increases the risk of disease transmission, making comprehensive wildlife surveillance critical. The One Health Joint Plan of Action, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and WOAH emphasizes the importance of protecting and restoring biodiversity, preventing ecosystem degradation, and supporting the health of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems. 

Comprehensive surveillance: beyond just collecting samples 

Effective surveillance involves more than just collecting samples or conducting laboratory tests. It requires thoughtful planning to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs and that all steps are properly set up. There are different types of surveillance that can be applied to suit different needs. They include active (systematic data collection), passive (reporting disease cases), event-based (rapid detection of unusual events), and sentinel (monitoring specific species). Rangers, hunters, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples play crucial roles in these efforts, given their unique ability to detect changes in wildlife health.  

Only authorized, trained, and qualified personnel should collect biological samples to uphold ethical standards and manage pathogen transmission risks. Effective communication is crucial to prevent potentially harmful actions, such as unnecessary wildlife killings or habitat destruction based on unfounded fears. Coordination among stakeholders ensures actions are evidence-based and avoid long-term ecological harm.  

Implementing effective programs: from planning to action

The guidelines – updated for the first time since 2015 – offer a roadmap for designing effective surveillance programs, including defining clear objectives, involving relevant stakeholders, choosing appropriate strategies, and developing cost-effective budgets. Safety and biosafety protocols are essential to protect humans and animals, while ethical and legal compliance ensures respect for local customs, necessary permissions, and animal welfare.

Surveillance programs should align with national strategies and international obligations, with WOAH Members required to report on listed and emerging diseases. By integrating surveillance into a broader One Health approach, we can improve our understanding of epidemiological patterns and take proactive measures to safeguard our shared future. The “General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens, and Toxic Agents in Free-Ranging Wildlife” provide the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of wildlife disease surveillance.