WOAH Collaborating Centre for Wildlife Health Risk Management

In 2023, WHA was established as a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre for Wildlife Health Risk Management within the "wildlife health and biodiversity" focus area. The centre plays a vital role in supporting the Asia-Pacific region by collaborating with key organisations that focus on wildlife health and zoonotic diseases.

The WHA WOAH Collaborating Centre serves as a model for other regions, contributing to global efforts in wildlife health and One Health integration.

WHA

WOAH Collaborating Centre Objectives
  • Promote multisectoral and interdisciplinary coordination and collaboration.
  • Strengthen capacity building to protect and promote wildlife health through mutual partnerships. 
  • Enhance and contribute to the rapid sharing of wildlife health and biosecurity intelligence by building trusted networks.
  • Support veterinary, wildlife and public health authorities, and organisations supporting these authorities to better protect and manage wildlife health.
  • Promote and contribute to the rapid sharing of information on wildlife health through dissemination of technical & scientific information and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Recognise cultural and resourcing differences within the region and adjust our engagement approaches accordingly to improve impact.

WHA 

Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis Course

WHA has partnered with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group to deliver the online  Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis course. The course teaches a method of addressing wildlife health risks through a structured, multidisciplinary process and an all-hazards approach, which recognizes wildlife health as not just the absence of disease but also includes threats and non-infectious health decline. These findings can be used in assisting decision-makers and stakeholders in creating a comprehensive action plan to manage these risks. 

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  • WOAH Regional Wildlife Health Networks

    • WOAH Regional Wildlife Health Networks

    The WOAH Wildlife Health Framework aims to enhance existing networks to protect wildlife health globally and strengthen One Health collaboration. Through these networks, multi-sectoral partnerships and surveillance systems can be improved, increasing awareness of risk pathways and best practices in wildlife health management.

    • WOAH Regional Wildlife Health Network for Asia and the Pacific.
      • Since 2021, wildlife health stakeholders across Asia and the Pacific have been networking to share information and address key issues. In February 2023, WOAH Focal Points for Wildlife formally established the WOAH Regional Wildlife Health Network for Asia and the Pacific to further these efforts. Currently Chaired by Timor Leste, Australia acts as the secretariat for the Network, through Wildlife Health Australia's International One Health Program Manager, Steve Unwin, and Senior Project Officer, Erin Davis, supporting coordination and collaboration across the region. 
    • WOAH Pacific Wildlife Health Network
      • Established in 2021, the WOAH Pacific Wildlife Health Network (PWHN) works closely with existing networks in the region and supports regional connectivity among stakeholders to share information and address wildlife health challenges. Wildlife Health Australia's COO/National Coordinator, Tiggy Grillo, chairs the network, with support from International One Health Program Officer, Joe Cashmore.
  • WOAH Working Group for Wildlife

    • WOAH Working Group for Wildlife

    The WOAH Working Group on Wildlife Health advises the WOAH Director General and Specialist Commissions on global wildlife health, biodiversity, and their interface with animal and veterinary public health. It provides risk assessments, supports WOAH standards development, and enhances Member Country capacity through training and information-sharing. The group monitors emerging diseases, zoonoses, invasive species, and climate change impacts while strengthening international collaboration and communication. It also engages with WOAH Collaborating Centres and partners to integrate wildlife health into global One Health efforts. Wildlife Health Australia CEO, Rupert Woods, is a member of this group, contributing to its expertise and initiatives.

  • Australian WOAH Focal Point for Wildlife

    • Australian WOAH Focal Point for Wildlife

  • More WHA International Activities

    • More WHA International Activities

Address Wildlife Disease Drivers:

  • Provide sustainable resources to improve disease prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities through risk analysis and policy guidance.

Foster Regional Collaboration:

  • Build strong relationships with Indo-Pacific governments, NGOs, WOAH Collaborating Centres, and other partners, promoting regional cooperation.

Acknowledge Traditional Knowledge:

  • Incorporate traditional knowledge that links the health of animals, people, and the environment, while respecting regional cultural differences.

Enhance Biosecurity and Biodiversity Outcomes:

  • Improve intelligence sharing and coordination across regional networks to better biosecurity and biodiversity outcomes.