About the Wildlife Health Program

THE WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has been managing wildlife health and disease issues for the past two decades. Through the Wildlife Health Program, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to safeguarding the health of Kentucky's wildlife and fostering resilient ecosystems that support the well-being of both wildlife and people for generations to come.

Working under a One Health approach and framework, the Wildlife Health Program recognizes that the health of people and animals is interconnected and dependent on a healthy environment. The Wildlife Health Program supports other programs within Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and routinely partners with other state and federal agencies, including the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Department of Public Health, in addition to academic institutions.

The Wildlife Health Program's team includes the state wildlife veterinarian and support staff in the Wildlife Health Annex, a laboratory and diagnostic center for diseases and other health issues that affect Kentucky’s fish and wildlife.

WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM MISSION

• Conduct wildlife health surveillance and contribute to diagnostic expertise in Kentucky.
• Prevent the introduction of new wildlife diseases and manage existing wildlife diseases in Kentucky.
• Research and identify health concerns and disease processes affecting wildlife populations throughout the state.
• Deliver robust communications and outreach strategies to inform and educate partners and constituents on wildlife health and disease.
• Provide educational opportunities and resources that promote the protection of healthy wildlife populations in Kentucky.
• Support Kentucky Fish and Wildlife in protecting Kentucky's wildlife heritage for future generations.

WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM PARTNERS

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