Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Welfare

Wildlife diseases cause enormous suffering and mortality, and their surveillance is essential for conservation and public health. Understanding disease impacts on wildlife welfare guides effective responses.

Key Facts

White-nose syndrome has killed over 6 million bats in North America since its introduction in 2006
Chytrid fungus has caused the extinction of over 90 amphibian species globally
Canine distemper outbreaks periodically devastate lion populations in East Africa
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease causes acute suffering and massive population crashes in affected areas
Chronic wasting disease is spreading through deer and elk populations in North America
Spillover of disease between wildlife, livestock, and humans creates complex One Health challenges

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife disease causes extraordinary suffering at population scale. White-nose syndrome causes hibernating bats to wake during winter, depleting fat reserves and causing starvation and immune compromise. Chytrid fungus causes severe skin disease in amphibians over days to weeks before death. These are not quick deaths but prolonged illness affecting entire populations simultaneously. Disease surveillance enables early detection and response: vaccination programs, antifungal treatment, and biosecurity measures can limit spread if detected early. Reducing wildlife trade and habitat disturbance that brings wildlife, livestock, and humans into contact reduces zoonotic spillover risk for all parties.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife disease surveillance programs that provide early warning of emerging disease threats
Clean and dry outdoor gear to prevent spreading fungal spores that harm amphibians and bats
Report unusual wildlife mortality to state or national wildlife agencies for investigation
Reduce wildlife trade consumption to decrease disease spillover risk between species