“Wildlife Health” is the ability of wildlife to thrive in a changing environment. The health and resiliency of wildlife are influenced by many factors such as genetics, physiological capacity, disease status, exposure to environmental threats and pollution, interactions with human populations, and climate change. Wildlife is thought to be responsible for many of the emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) worldwide. EIDs, introduced diseases, climate change, and pollution continue to impact conservation, public health, and economies.

BRI’s Wildlife Health Program: One Health in Practice

Addressing these emerging issues in wildlife health requires a progressive organization capable of crossing geographic, taxonomic, and disciplinary barriers to implement a “One Health” approach. One Health is the integrative effort of multiple disciplines working together to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment. BRI’s wildlife veterinarians operate at the interface of these three components, collaborating with a wide range of professionals to provide veterinary expertise supporting governmental and non-governmental organizations, universities, and research facilities.

Program Director:

• Tristan Burgess, B.V.Sc., PhD.