Status of wildlife disease surveillance in the West Africa sub-region
Abstract Africa’s rapidly growing population has led to increased urbanization and encroachment on wildlife habitats, heightening the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. National wildlife disease surveillance programs are essential for monitoring and mitigating these risks. The study provides an...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Animals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44338-025-00103-9 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Africa’s rapidly growing population has led to increased urbanization and encroachment on wildlife habitats, heightening the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. National wildlife disease surveillance programs are essential for monitoring and mitigating these risks. The study provides an overview of the situation of wildlife disease surveillance in the West African Region following an assessement performed between 2023 and 2024 using different methods.We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed literature using online databases. Additionally, we targeted literature from international and not-for-profit organizations. Surveillance data from member countries were collected using Google form questionnaires.Our findings indicate that seven of the eleven assessed countries had functional wildlife surveillance networks, utilizing general (9 of 11) and targeted (8 of 11) surveillance approaches. However, significant gaps exist, including limited surveillance infrastructure, underdeveloped networks, and inadequate laboratory capacity for molecular testing and sequencing. Our study highlights the urgent need to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance in West Africa through improved funding, laboratory capacity, and regional collaboration to mitigate these challenges. |
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| ISSN: | 3004-894X |