DEC Wildlife Health: One Health Approach to Diseases & Toxins

The long-term sustainability of wildlife in New York State is dependent on the continued health and resilience of wild animal populations. Recent disease outbreaks have reinforced a critical truth: wildlife health is usually interconnected with the health of humans, domestic animals, and our shared environment. A clear example is the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or “bird flu” outbreak. This virus is widespread, affecting many wildlife species including waterfowl, raptors, and some mammals such as foxes and bobcats. In addition to its impact on wild species, HPAI has caused significant losses in domestic animal industries, like poultry farms and dairy operations, as well as caused illness in domestic cats and, in rare cases, humans.

The DEC Wildlife Health Program (WHP) uses the One Health approach—a collaborative, multidisciplinary framework that recognizes this vitally important intersection of human health, animal health, and the environment. Understanding wildlife health through a One Health lens helps guide our response and highlights opportunities for prevention, mitigation, and shared stewardship. To this end, the DEC WHP works closely with relevant staff at NYS Departments of Agriculture and Markets and Health as well as the USDA.

Hunters, trappers, and other outdoor recreationists play a vital role in maintaining wildlife health in New York. Their time spent in the field provides valuable opportunities to observe and report signs of illness, contribute to disease surveillance, and support data collection that informs management decisions. For instance, chronic wasting disease (CWD), an always-fatal neurological illness affecting deer and other cervids, poses a significant threat to deer populations and the tradition of hunting. Reporting abnormal behavior is critical for surveillance of CWD and can help maintain resilient deer populations for future generations.

The decisions we make in the field can have significant impacts on both wildlife and human health. For example, using non-lead ammunition can help prevent lead poisoning in scavenging species such as bald eagles, as well as reduce the risk of lead exposure in hunter-harvested game meat. This year’s Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide features important wildlife health concerns and practical steps you can take to protect wildlife and your own well-being.