About Wildlife Emerging Pathogens Initiative
(Wild EPI)

We aim to understand the epidemiology and burden of illness of zoonotic infections (such as SARS-CoV-2, Arbovirus, and AIV) among humans and animals host. A One Health approach is critical to understanding and managing the risks of an emerging zoonotic pathogen.

Surveillance in wildlife across Canada has been ongoing with an emphasis on a One Health approach; a transdisciplinary approach that includes key stakeholders in human and animal health. The concept of One Health recognizes that human and animal health are interdependent. The spillover of virus from humans or domestic animals into wildlife is concerning not only due to the possible deleterious effects on wildlife, but because these wild populations have the potential to act as reservoirs for pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2. Pathogens that have an animal reservoir are inherently more difficult to control and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through animal populations could further contribute to the development of variants of concern (VoCs), potentially undermining the efficacy of countermeasures such as antivirals and vaccines. As such, there have been calls for increased surveillance at the human-wildlife interface. Urban areas around the world have been a particular area of concern and focus. The higher density of both human and some peri-urban wildlife species populations in urban centres can lead to more frequent human-animal contact and increased potential for disease transmission. Additionally, people who have close contact with wildlife, such as biologists, rehabilitators and hunters and trappers, may be at higher risk of being exposed to zoonotic viruses and of facilitating its spread among wildlife. The impact of zoonotic infection on wildlife health is not fully understood. Early detection of any spillover is therefore critical to preventing and addressing these concerns. Given the risk of reverse-zoonotic virus transmission and our lack of knowledge of zoonotic viruses in local wildlife, there was an urgent need to elucidate the epidemiology of pathogens at the human-wildlife interface to help wildlife management and public health officials better communicate risk and plan management strategies.