Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have launched new guidelines for the surveillance of diseases, pathogens, and toxic agents in free-ranging wildlife. 

This timely and comprehensive resource provides vital guidance for wildlife authorities, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation.  

The guidelines carry substantial implications for the governance of the game meat sector, the formulation of biodiversity policy, and the practical application of the One Health approach.

Key highlights and implications for Africa's wildlife economies, particularly South Africa's game meat industry:

• Addressing a critical gap: The guidelines provide a much-needed structured framework for wildlife disease monitoring, especially for species integral to sustainable use models, such as game ranching. This will enhance disease detection, improve data collection methodologies, and foster greater coordination across geographical borders and diverse disciplines.
• Embracing the one health imperative: The guidelines firmly embed the One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of wildlife health, public health, and environmental stability. This underscores the importance of integrated strategies for effective disease prevention, ensuring food safety, and safeguarding biodiversity.
• Promoting actionable and inclusive strategies: The document clearly delineates roles, responsibilities, and timelines for various stakeholders, from policymakers to field personnel. By emphasising stakeholder engagement, standardising sample collection protocols, and advocating for risk-based decision-making, these guidelines are designed for effective implementation at local, national, and regional levels.
• Strengthening traceability and market access: For the game meat sector, robust surveillance data can significantly enhance traceability systems, increase the credibility of certification schemes, build greater consumer confidence, and facilitate safer trade in wildlife products within both domestic and international markets.
• Potential for regional policy harmonisation: This resource holds considerable potential to complement existing regional frameworks, such as the SADC Wildlife Economy Framework, and other continental initiatives. By providing a science-based foundation, it can contribute to the harmonisation of surveillance protocols, trade regulations, and broader conservation policies across the continent.