DISEASE MONITORING OF FREE-RANGING AND RELEASED WILDLIFE

Abstract

Diseases in free-ranging wildlife, other than those in species of economic importance or diseases of public health significance, have long been overlooked and thus are rarely monitored. Recent findings, however, demonstrate that disease agents must be considered as integral in shaping many aspects of wildlife behavior and ecology. Very few scientists are trained in or function spe cifically with the study of diseases of free-ranging wildlife, and funding for such projects is difficult to obtain. The application of new biotechnological tools will no doubt contribute considerably to the rapid advancement of this field. The consideration of disease in all stages of species conservation projects is especially important because of the possibilities of genetic depression of immunity and the introduction of diseases into wild populations.