W-02: Promoting Resilient Fish and Wildlife Populations through Disease Investigations Pre-registration and additional fees are required for participation. Sign up will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis via the online registration form.
FULL DAY - SUNDAY; 9AM - 5PM (lunch on own) Fee: Student - $10; Professional $40 Contact: Tricia Fry, Fish and Wildlife Health Coordinator, Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, tfry.mafwa@gmail.com Co-Organizers: Deb Hudman, MDC; Ellen Hayes, SEAFWA/SCWDS; Tricia Fry, MAFWA
Overview: Understanding and monitoring wildlife diseases helps wildlife managers make informed decisions about conservation strategies, population control, and habitat management. Training and adherence to established protocols can significantly enhance the outcomes of wildlife disease management efforts. This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the following key aspects of a wildlife disease event: disease discovery, incident evaluation, biosafety, sample collection and submission for diagnostic testing, and incident management. The workshop will incorporate case studies of fish and wildlife disease outbreaks to provide real-world context and enhance learning by illustrating key concepts and practices. The workshop will conclude by examining how adopting a One Health integrative strategy enhances the effectiveness of monitoring, surveillance, and management of wildlife diseases, benefiting public health and biodiversity.
Intended Audience: Students and Professionals interested in wildlife heath