The IUCN SSC Wildlife Health Specialist Group was commissioned by the IUCN Species Survival Commission to serve as a first response for wildlife health concerns around the world. This requires a focused network of regional experts primarily conducting wildlife health work in the areas of health surveillance, reporting, and response, wildlife disease management, disease ecology, diagnostics, epidemiology, pathology, toxicology, health policy and related health disciplines. Our mandate is not in the field of disease control per se, for livestock and/or human health but contributions to these sectors that are made through a better understanding of wildlife disease and its role in multispecies infections or other disease syndromes.

The primary responsibility of WHSG members is to provide advice, access to regional information and expert resources in order to effectively respond to local issues related to wildlife health in support to conservation.
Founded in 1984, the Wildlife Health Specialist Group is a network of experts in various aspects of wildlife health. Dr. Michael Woodford was the founding chairman and led the group for 20 years. The group is now led by Chairs Dr. Billy Karesh (based at EcoHealth Alliance) and Dr. Richard Kock (based at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London). The WHSG currently has a membership of 300+ wildlife health experts from around the world.

Members to the WHSG are selected based on their training, experience and leadership in the wildlife health field, and are expected to actively provide advice, access to regional information, and expert resources in order to effectively respond to local issues related to wildlife health. To be considered for membership, please send your current CV and a statement of interest to WHSG@EcoHealthAlliance.org.

The WHSG website is managed by EcoHealth Alliance.

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