Establish disease surveillance, treatment and biosecure refuges

Build a risk-based wildlife health program that combines field surveillance, diagnostic capacity, reporting, movement protocols and predefined response thresholds. Depending on the pathogen and species, responses may include treatment, vaccination, vector control, husbandry changes, temporary isolation or a biosecure refuge population.

The WOAH Wildlife Health Framework promotes coordinated wildlife health surveillance and management. Any treatment or refuge program must be based on veterinary and ecological evidence, protect animal welfare and avoid spreading pathogens during capture, transport or release.

Not every wildlife disease can be eliminated. Programs should state whether the goal is prevention, containment, reduced mortality or protection of a viable backup population.