On June 25 - 26, 2020, in Nghe An province, more than 30 officials of Pu Mat National Park, Forest Protection Department, Department of Animal Health and Production of Nghe An Province, Forest Protection Station, Veterinary Station of Con Cuong, Anh Son and Tuong Duong Districts, Nghe An Province participated in the training “Wildlife morbidity/mortality report” to improve their capacity in monitoring and reporting morbidity/mortality of wildlife in the wild populations.
During two days of the training, forest rangers and veterinarians were trained to use the basic PPE; detect and identify diseases on wildlife; collect and preserve biological samples for disease detection; and practice protocols of wildlife morbidity and mortality reporting. In the group discussion, participants highlighted the status, pros and cons of wildlife disease surveillance, as well as using supporting tools such as the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool for wildlife health surveillance (SMART Health) in the area. They all agreed that technical training on wildlife management and surveillance in the future is essential because it is important to detect and report early morbidity/mortality of wildlife to control the spread of disease and increase the chance sick animals are treated and recovered.
The training was implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in collaboration with Pu Mat National Park, with the financial support of the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) - Biological Threat Reduction Program, United States Department of Defense. The project goal is to establish a national-level wildlife bio-surveillance network to enhance the ability of Vietnam to safely detect, monitor, trace, and report especially dangerous pathogens (EDPs) and respond to wildlife morbidity and mortality events suspected to be linked to EDPs.