RECENT CHANGES IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN EUROPEAN WILDLIFE

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Wildlife disease ecology
• One Health

Background:

• Infectious diseases in wildlife pose significant risks to conservation, biodiversity, livestock, and human health.
• Understanding epidemiological shifts in wildlife-related pathogens is crucial for effective disease management and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the epidemiology of 25 selected infectious, wildlife-related diseases in Europe between 2010 and 2016.
• To identify common drivers and patterns in disease emergence and spread affecting wildlife, livestock, and humans.

Main Methods:

• Review of 25 selected wildlife-related pathogens based on surveillance importance, EU legislation, recent literature, OIE lists, and expert networks.
• Analysis of epidemiological changes and trends in Europe from 2010-2016.

Main Results:

• Identified significant changes in the epidemiology of numerous wildlife-related diseases impacting Europe.
• Observed pathogens entering Europe from other continents and expanding their ranges within and beyond Europe.
• Highlighted the need to identify key drivers influencing disease incidence and spread.

Conclusions:

• Continental-scale surveillance is vital for assessing and preparing for risks posed by wildlife-related diseases.
• Further research is needed to understand the drivers of disease change and emergence.
• Collaborative efforts are essential for managing transboundary wildlife diseases.