Resources
The booklet titled
"Diseases You Can Get From Wildlife (in
British Columbia)"
(PDF 5.26MB) was developed by the B.C. Ministry of Environment, B.C. Centre for Disease Control and the
Centre for Coastal Health with funding support from the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the B.C.
Wildlife Federation, the Guide Outfitters Association of B.C., the B.C. Trapper's Association and the
Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Fund in order to describe potential threats to angler, hunter and
trapper health and ways to avoid them. Wildlife (fish, game and birds) may carry diseases, some of
which are known to cause illness in humans. Fortunately, the transmission of most of these diseases to
humans can be prevented through some basic, and very simple, safety precautions. This booklet provides
tips to help anglers, hunters and trappers recognize disease in wildlife, and discusses the preventative measures that can help to reduce the risk of disease. We hope that you find this
information useful.
The report
Communicable Disease Risks to Wildlife From Camelids in British Columbia (PDF 428KB) provides
government and industry with information upon which to develop evidence-based policies and practices
regarding the use of llamas and alpacas in backcountry areas. Infection risk management has become a
predominant part of wildlife management decision involving translocations. There is an increased awareness of the role of disease and parasites as population density-dependent and non-density-dependent regulating
factors in wild species. There are growing concerns that environmental or animal management practices may
influence disease and population dynamics of wild species, leading to unanticipated effects, including
effects on endangered species. The introduction of disease into wild populations must be considered with
greater concern than for domestic animals simply because there are few viable options for controlling and
eradicating introduced diseases in wildlife.
A user-friendly on-line manual with photographs, descriptions and summaries of many common and
uncommon diseases found in B.C.'s Wildlife.
Manual of Common Wildlife Diseases and Parasites of Northern British Columbia
Links
This website is devoted to amphibian diseases, although located in Australia, amphibian diseases are
global issues due to the rather unrestricted trade in these species.
Amphibian Diseases
The news media continues to cover amphibian declines and deformities locally, nationally, and around the
globe. FrogWeb provides a gateway to electronic articles, news releases, transcripts, and digital video that are freely available on the Web.
FrogWeb: Amphibian Declines & Deformities
This site focuses on providing useful information to the public about rabies.
National Center for Infectious Diseases – Bats & Rabies
The Wildlife Disease Information Node is a Web-based monitoring and information system,
providing state and federal resource managers, animal disease specialists, veterinary diagnostic
laboratories, physicians, public health workers, educators, and the general public with access to near
real-time data in wildlife mortality events and other critical related information.
NBII Wildlife Disease Information Node
Provides crop pest, disease and weed control information.
Pest Management
Fish Diseases:
The Fish Health Branch investigates persistent and emergent health issues associated with genetics,
pathogens and environmental stressors that undermine conservation and restoration of interjurisdictional
populations including depleted, threatened, or endangered fishes and aquatic organisms.
USGS/Leetown Science Center – Fish Health Branch
Gives brief descriptions of a few of the more common diseases and parasites that occasionally affect fish in
Michigan and also a glossary of relevant terms related to diseases and fish culture.
Department of Natural Resources & Fish Disease
The Aquatic Animals Commission (formally the Fish Diseases Commission) is one of the four Specialist
Commissions.
The role of Specialist Commissions is to study specific problems relating to the
epidemiology and control of certain diseases or groups of diseases. The Committee decides to set up such
Commissions whenever necessary and for the period of time required to solve
a specific problem.
Aquatic Animals Commission
The purpose of the Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals is to provide a uniform approach to
the diagnosis of the diseases listed in the Aquatic Code, so that the requirements for health certification
in connection with trade in aquatic animals and aquatic animal products, can be met.
Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals & 2003
Wild Animal Care and Handling:
A newly published set of recommendations for the humane care and use of wild animals,
especially with regard to their use in research programs.
Canadian Council on Animal Care
guidelines on: the care and use of wildlife.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD):
The following web sites provide further information regarding CWD:
West Nile Virus (WNV)
BC Parks West Nile Virus Questions & Answers
see links below for B.C. Centre for Disease Control
Wildlife Rehabilitation:
Wildlife Network of B.C.
National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association
