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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 recognises 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 , developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and WOAH emphasises 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 authorised, 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 Member States and Territories 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 "" provide the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of wildlife disease surveillance. 

Read the Issues Brief on the wildlife disease surveillance guidelines here.