IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Ryser-Degiorgis, M.-P. | |
| Planning of veterinary supervision for translocation programmes of wild felids | |
| 2009 Book Chapter | |
Appropriate veterinary measures are required to quantify and minimise the health risks that are inherent in the translocation of animals. Veterinary considerations should be addressed both at the individual level and at the ecosystem level. Disease risks in translocation and reintroduction projects can be basically summarized in two main scenarios, both involving the animals being translocated, other wildlife, domestic livestock, pets, and humans: 1) introduction of a pathogen into the destination environment by the animals being translocated and 2) transmission of a pathogen that is new to the animals being translocated during the translocation process or from the destination environment. Disease or health risk assessment (HRA) is the application of common sense to evaluate whether or not important health-related risks are associated to the translocation of animals, acknowledging that it is impossible to work without any risk. To identify potentially associated health hazards, three points need to be considered: 1) disease susceptibility and potential carrier role of the species to be translocated; 2) presence of pathogens and other potential health problems in the source environment, and 3) presence of pathogens and other potential health problems (including toxic compounds) in the destination environment. Adequate scientific documentation is almost as important as HRA. Every single individual, alive or dead, is a valuable source of information, for the present and for the future. Thus, emphasis should always be placed on extensive sampling and information collection. Decisions on whether or not to proceed with wild animal translocations may be determined by the results of HRA, resources, sociopolitical aspects, logistics and conservation issues. In this regard, and since resources are usually limited, priorities have to be set. Amongst others, it is essential to establish clear criteria to decide what are the minimum standards to render an individual acceptable for translocation -i.e., what are the key agents to be tested for- before deciding whether an animal can be translocated or not. As a next step, suitable protocols can be proposed. A multidisciplinary approach is required both during the planning and the implementation stages. Also, it is essential to consider these projects as adaptive processes, i.e., to learn from results and adjust the methodology accordingly. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |