Migratory Species and Health: A Review of Migration and Wildlife Disease Dynamics, and the Health of Migratory Species, within the Context of One Health

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has worked on aspects of wildlife health since 2005 and played a key role in responding to poisoning and highly pathogenic avian influenza.

With increased awareness of the importance of wildlife health, CMS has responded with the establishment of a new Working Group on Migratory Species and Health and a substantive review of the issues related to health of migratory species. The review both supports the Group’s work and provides information and recommendations to Parties.

The review comprises four main sections:

Wildlife health: key concepts, and the interdependence of health and environmental sectors
A summary of key concepts in wildlife health, and the relevance of wildlife disease to biodiversity conservation and to domestic animals and humans. The chapter explores the anthropogenic drivers and activities that can lead to disease emergence, and the benefits of One Health and ecosystem approaches to health.

Migration, migratory change and disease
A review of key concepts, and our current understanding of health and infectious disease dynamics in relation to migration. The chapter also explores the potential
consequences of migration disruption for the health of migratory wildlife and infectious disease dynamics.

Key health issues in migratory species and their broad underlying causes
An expert consultation to determine, at a high level, key known health issues affecting migratory species listed on the CMS Appendices I and II, and broad driving
processes considered to underlie these problems.

Conclusions and recommendations
A concluding chapter drawing together key messages from the report and recommendations for action.