The interrelationship between wild animal, domestic animals and human health is appreciated now more than ever before. This is because of the recognition of the involvement of wild animals in diseases of humans and domestic animals, the impact of disease on wildlife management and conservation biology, recognition of new forms of environmental contamination, and academic interest in disease as an ecological factor. This is the first introductory level book about disease in wild animals that deals with basic subjects such as the nature of disease, what causes disease, how disease is described and measured, how diseases spread and persist and the effects of disease on individual animals and populations. In contrast to authors of many other veterinary books, Gary A. Wobeser takes a more general approach to health in wild animals, recognizing that disease is one ecological factor among many and that disease can never be considered satisfactorily in isolation. Rather than focus on individual causative agents and their effect on the individual animal, the emphasis is on why disease occurred, and on the complex interactions that occur among disease agents, the environment and host populations. Written by a leading researcher in wildlife diseases, this book will fill a knowledge gap for those called to work with disease in wild animals who lack experience or training in the general features of disease as they relate to wild animals. Veterinarians, ecologists, wildlife biologists, population biologists and public health workers will find this book invaluable.

- A hypothesis is a proposition, set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of a phenomenon, that can be tested. - The basis for scientific investigation is the collection of information to formulate and test hypotheses. - Experimental methods measure the effect of manipulations caused by the investigator; observational methods collect information about naturally occurring events. - There are three sub-types of experimental techniques that differ in the way subjects are chosen for inclusion in the study, in the amount of control that the investigator has over variables, and in the method used to assess changes in other variables. - Descriptive observational studies dominate the early phase of most investigations and involve the description of disease-related events in the population. Associations among factors may be observed but the strength of the associations is not measured. - Analytical observation al techniques are of three basic types: prevalence surveys, case:control studies, and incidence or cohort studies. All attempt to explain the nature of relationships among various factors and to measure the strength of associations. - Prevalence surveys and case:control studies deal with disease existing at the time of the study; incidence studies are concerned with the development of disease over time. - Observational studies may be retrospective, using existing data, or prospective with collection of new information.

Foundations of Wildlife Diseases is a comprehensive overview of the basic principles that govern the study of wildlife diseases. The authors integrate theoretical foundations with a thorough examination of the factors that can affect the health and fitness of animals. They include specific information on a wide array of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, arthropods, fungi, protista, and helminths, as well as immunity to these agents. Also provided is a foundation for the study of noninfectious diseases, cancers, and prion diseases that affect wildlife. Supporting students, faculty, and researchers in areas related to wildlife management, biology, and veterinary sciences, this volume fills an important gap in wildlife disease resources, focusing on mammalian and avian wildlife while also considering reptiles and amphibians. Foundations of Wildlife Diseases provides students with a structure for thinking about and understanding infective agents and their interactions with wildlife. Each chapter includes an outline, select definitions and concepts, an overview and summary, and literature cited. Ê

Gary Wobeser's successful book from 1994 has been completely updated and enlarged in a new second edition. An in-depth overview of the available techniques for the investigation and management of disease in free-ranging animals is provided. The subjects are illustrated with examples drawn from around the world, with emphasis on the special requirements involved in working with wild animals. The book draws on the author’s training as a wildlife biologist.

This book offers an all-encompassing resource for reliable information on the medical management of wild birds, mammals, amphibians, and turtles. Focusing on the medical information relevant to the wildlife setting, it covers triage, emergency care, and other key considerations in handling, diagnosing, and treating wild animals. The book's population-based approach encourages practitioners to understand individual animal care within the broader context. Medical Management of Wildlife Species: A Guide for Practitioners begins with a brief summary of natural history, and introductory chapters address general topics such as pre-release conditioning, post-release monitoring, and legal issues associated with handling wildlife species. Species-specific chapters provide practical information on medical management, including the most prevalent concerns for each species and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Provides a complete reference to handling, diagnosing, and treating wild species Covers the full range of North American wildlife Includes concepts that can be applied to species globally Emphasizes information relevant to the wildlife setting Focuses on individual medicine, firmly grounded within population medicine for a broader approach Targeted at wildlife veterinarians, veterinary clinicians that will be presented with wildlife, veterinary technicians, and wildlife rehabilitators Medical Management of Wildlife Species is a must-have addition to the bookshelf of wildlife veterinarians and any veterinarian seeing occasional wild animals, as well as wildlife biologists and researchers.

The broad spectrum of topics covered in the nine symposia and four open-paper sessions of the Third Inter national Wildlife Disease Conference comprise a remarkable collection of ideas and current research information on diseases of wildlife. The term "wildlife" is broad in itself and is interpreted by the Conference sponsor, The Wildlife Disease Association, to mean all free-living vertebrate and invertebrate members of the animal kingdom. The Conference's invitational symposia brought to Munich an array of wildlife specialists from around the world who addressed major problems affecting the under standing and control of diseases of wildlife. The open paper sessions attracted many well-known scientists with detailed data from their specialized studies. Over 100 participants were present to hear 84 scientific papers. The Wildlife Disease Association and the Conference editors, through their publisher, are pleased to offer this compilation of presentations as a Conference Pro ceedings. This volume will be an important data source for the study of diseases of wildlife by students, specialists, and general biologists everywhere. WDA President W. G. Winkler expresses the Associa tion's gratitude to the Conference Chairman, Prof. Dr. H.