A european wildlife network for mammals and birds

SOA

Internal project

Action 2 - Leading Institute: SVA

Project summary

This project expands networks of wildlife scientists and collects data on wildlife disease surveillance, including captive wildlife, and wildlife population monitoring in Europe. It assesses the impact of human/anthropogenic activities such as climate change, hunting, trade, artificial feeding and translocation of wildlife on spread of diseases and establishment of invasive species. It identifies gaps in wildlife health surveillance and data needs of stakeholders and provides recommendations for improved surveillance across the EU.

Project objectives

Integration of the health of wild mammals and birds in the overall health surveillance and monitoring of production animals.
Enhanced detection of pathogens in wildlife to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases between wildlife, livestock and humans.
Contribution to the assessment of environmental health because wild animals act as sentinels of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Identification and prioritisation of wildlife surveillance needs according to potential health risks for livestock and humans

Outcomes and impacts

Inventory and evaluation of wildlife disease surveillance, data sources and reporting systems in Europe.
Inventory of wildlife population monitoring systems, data and needs
Expanded networks of wildlife surveillance across Europe
Assessment of impact of human activities on wildlife health and disease spread
Prioritisation of wildlife disease surveillance data needs of stakeholders/users
Recommendations for improved wildlife health surveillance