Page 492 - The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual 3rd Edition

Wildlife health and disease surveillance 429

was not found until hunters who participated in The integrative and participatory muskox
the hunter-based sampling programme observed health surveillance programme implemented
those same lesions. This triggered a field dis- in Cambridge Bay has been transferred to other
ease investigation that allowed the pathogen northern communities with the aim of increasing
responsible of those reported lesions (orf virus) the geographic scope of the surveillance system.
to be scientifically identified, and that also Although these efforts are in an early stage of
identified other diseases relevant in the sys- implementation, a similar approach is now being
tem (that is, brucellosis, lungworm infection) used by these communities to assess the health
(Figure 11.5). status of caribou in the terrestrial environment
This last example, among others, illustrates and of narwhal in the marine environment.
well how complementary use of local and sci- The surveillance approach described here can
entific knowledge can greatly enhance the also be transferred to other settings and other
outcomes of a wildlife disease surveillance sys- wildlife species. In such different contexts, the
tem. In addition, including resource users in the programme will need to be tailored to local reali-
knowledge-generating process fosters dialogue ties and take into account the resources available,
and trust among parties and promotes shared as well as the challenges and opportunities that
ownership and shared responsibility. These can exist. The checklist and considerations, in Box
improve the sustainability of the surveillance 11.1, apply widely and can guide the develop-
system over time, as well as co-management ment of a participatory wildlife surveillance
outcomes for the species. programme to help generate positive outcomes.

Figure 11.5 Examples of field disease investigations. (A) Field necropsy of a muskox cow found dead.
The individual performing the necropsy is wearing personal protective equipment (PPE: goggles, mask,
gloves, and disposable coveralls). (B) A toolkit for wildlife disease field sampling: necropsy and sampling
tools, extra PPE, disinfectants, and other materials are kept in a modified tackle box that is compact and
easy to transport. (C) Every sample collected in the field is stored in a leak-proof bag and identified imme-
diately with the identification number of the animal and a brief description of the tissue sampled. Photos:
courtesy of Matilde Tomaselli.

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