Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis
Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis
A structured, evidence-based framework designed to systematically identify wildlife-associated disease hazards, using both qualitative and quantitative tools to assess health risks and their potential impact on populations of concern, and to develop an actionable plan for mitigating those risks.
The Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis (WDRA) process, conducted within a multi-stakeholder workshop environment, combines elicitation of expert opinion with published and unpublished data to reduce uncertainty and provide direction for both immediate action and targeted research. Where disease is the primary threat or issue of concern, the WDRA can be applied with this as its sole focus. Alternatively, where warranted, it can be equally well integrated with one of our broader conservation planning workshops to ensure a robust analysis of disease within the context of a wider array of threats.
Our Process
To mitigate biodiversity collapse and the resulting impacts on wildlife health, it is crucial to understand both the underlying factors and the values and assumptions of decision-makers. These elements shape our response to complex One Health challenges, where wildlife health is often a neglected component. In collaboration with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), CPSG developed the IUCN Manual of Procedures for Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis. This five-step planning process (figure below) offers a structured, multidisciplinary approach to assess wildlife health risks, enabling decision-makers and stakeholders to formulate comprehensive action plans. By utilizing an all-hazards approach that considers both disease and non-disease factors, the process prepares us to conduct science-based risk analyses while also fostering consensus-driven solutions.
During a WDRA, Wildlife Disease Simulation Models can be explored through the program Outbreak. Outbreak is a software program that simulates disease dynamics, using familiar, basic conceptual algorithms of infectious disease transmission. All disease parameters are input by the user, allowing for customization of epidemiology across a range of pathogens. In addition, demographic information, such as breeding rates and nondisease mortality for general sex-specific stages (juveniles, sub-adults, and adults), is user-specified and used to project total population size. Along with basic disease analysis, the software also allows users to simulate interventions like vaccination and population removal to manage disease dynamics within a population.
A detailed version of the WDRA process, with tools and examples
Una versión detallada del proceso AREFS, con herramientas y ejemplos
A concise version of the manual, describing the steps in the WDRA process.
In 2023, the Koala Health Hub, in collaboration with Wildlife Health Australia and the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), completed the first National Koala Disease Risk Assessment (KDRA), marking a significant milestone for Australian wildlife. This assessment is the first of its kind to evaluate disease risks for an Australian wildlife species on a national scale. The report and appendices outline the existing knowledge base, highlight information gaps, assess risks, and identify critical control points for managing koala disease hazards. This comprehensive approach was made possible through the support of the Australian Government and the active engagement of a diverse group of stakeholders. To build on the KDRA’s recommendations, Wildlife Health Australia will facilitate a series of implementation planning workshops aimed at developing koala health and disease management actions, aligned with broader national koala conservation initiatives.
