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Copyright 2012 IUCN SSC Wildlife Health Specialist Group
Commissioned by the IUCN Species Survival Commission to serve as a first response for wildlife health concerns across the world.
Timely International Movement of Emergency Diagnostic Specimens for Conservation Purposes
Timely International Movement of Emergency Diagnostic Specimens for Conservation Purposes
Wildlife disease is increasingly recognized as a threat to endangered wild animal populations. Noting the importance of rapid and thorough diagnostics for disease control, large-scale disease investigations may require international export of emergency diagnostic specimens to reference laboratories. However, as diagnostic specimens are considered trade products under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), there can be delays from the export and import permitting process that unintentionally affect conservation measures.
The IUCN SSC Wildlife Health Specialist Group calls for solutions that will promote timely movement of emergency diagnostic specimens for conservation purposes. A reference laboratory structure, as utilized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), is proposed.
The attached briefing document is intended as a starting point for CITES Delegates to initiate discussions and find appropriate solution(s) that will promote species survival.
The agreement between the OIE and CITES, established in December of 2015, is also attached.
The WHSG held a side event at the CITES Standing Committee meeting in January 2016 to introduce the issue and gain input on ways forward, and is keen to assist the CITES community on this important conservation topic at any point if requested.
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