Essentials of Disease in Wild Animals - Hardcover

by Gary A. Wobeser (Author)

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.

Back Jacket

Considerable progress has been made toward the control and eradication of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis from domestic animals. However, sporadic outbreaks continue to occur in many countries. Public health and regulatory officials throughout the world continue to be concerned about the effect these M. bovis outbreaks have on control of tuberculosis in cattle, other domestic farm animals, captive wild animals, and humans.

Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Animals and Humans, second edition, is the most comprehensive collection of timely information regarding M. bovis in any single source.

This international reference includes the most current information on mechanisms of virulence of tubercle bacilli and immunologic and biochemical responses of the host involved in resistance. The book includes information on diagnosis and application of the latest molecular techniques in epidemiologic investigations. Included are chapters on the economic impact of outbreaks of M. bovis in alternate species on control programs in domestic animals.

Tuberculosis specialists from around the world have produced an invaluable reference for veterinarians, health care workers, public health officials, state and federal regulatory personnel, and livestock producers interested in the importation of animals for herd additions.

• A completely revised and updated edition


• Includes information on the status of M. bovis infection in animals and humans globally


• Extensive reference lists to help readers explore the literature further

Author Biography

Gary A. Wobeser, DVM, PhD is a professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.