Wildlife infectious disease control in Europe

Abstract

During the last thirty years, common infectious diseases of humans or animals have changed their manner of attack… New epidemiological patterns have emerged as wild species have acted as victim, host or reservoir. This has been seen in rabies, bovine tuberculosis or, more recently, wild-boar classical swine fever. Attempts to control these diseases have not always been successful depending on the criteria of the proposed objective. Emerging diseases are of interest for veterinarians as well as public health officials. As far as wildlife is concerned, difficulties can arise in controlling the population dynamics either of the host or of the pathogen. Lessons learnt from previous experiences could help in the management of new emerging problems.