Preventing zoonotic and zooanthroponotic disease transmission at wild great ape sites: Recommendations from qualitative research at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Employees at wild great ape sites, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) in Uganda, face significant risks of transmitting infectious diseases to endangered great apes due to their close proximity. A study involving qualitative interviews with 46 staff members and key informants from five other global sites revealed that preventive healthcare measures are underutilized at BINP, and diagnostic testing for spillover diseases is inaccessible. Recommendations include designating a dedicated healthcare provider, offering free annual physical exams, and equipping first aid kits with rapid malaria tests and deworming medication to mitigate zoonotic and zooanthroponotic disease transmission risks.

Homsy King, M., Nahabwe, H., Ssebide, B., Kwong, L. H., & Gilardi, K. (2024). Preventing zoonotic and zooanthroponotic disease transmission at wild great ape sites: Recommendations from qualitative research at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Plos One, 19(3), e0299220. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299220