Samples for medical evaluation and research are collected opportunistically when possible. While in the field, the veterinarians collect non-invasive samples, such as feces, urine, saliva, and hair. If a gorilla requires a complete examination under anesthesia, a variety of samples are collected, including nasal swabs and blood. When an animal dies, a complete post mortem exam is done, and biological samples are collected and preserved. These samples are housed in the Biological Resource Center (Biobank) at the Maryland Zoo In Baltimore. The biobank samples are made are available to veterinary scientists interested in improving the health of this endangered species. Many “biobank” samples are evaluated by scientists worldwide to track the health of the gorillas. While gorillas remain the focus of their work, MGVP staff also contribute to programs designed to assess the health of other species, both domestic and wild.

In addition to monitoring and veterinary care, as a key partner in the new Mountain Gorilla One Health Program, MGVP veterinarians now manage the gorilla’s health from a broader “One Health” perspective. This approach is based on ecology: if all living things are connected, then so are the threats—and the solutions—to a healthy ecosystem. The health of the mountain gorillas is intricately connected to that of people, other animals, plants, soil, air, and water. Many of the diseases that threaten the mountain gorilla—as well as people—can be carried by other animals. Examples include tuberculosis, rabies, and brucellosis.

When possible, MGVP supports domestic animal health screening programs. Two pilot programs have been conducted thus far: owner surveys and vaccination for rabies in domestic dogs near the Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda; owner surveys and testing for tuberculosis and brucellosis in domestic cattle and goats near the Parc National des Virungas (PNVi) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these diseases can cause serious—even fatal—illness in any species. Results are shared with the animal owners and local officials, and suggestions offered regarding improved farm management, better hygiene and vaccination options. These screening programs serve two purposes: 1) improve health and productivity among domestic animals living near gorilla parks; 2) document transmissible diseases.

The MGVP is serving as the Uganda and Rwanda country leaders for a 5-year grant awarded to the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center (WHC) by the US Agency for International Development’s Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT) program. The EPT is aimed at pre-empting or combating new zoonotic diseases in wildlife that could spark future human pandemics. The WHC has been tasked with implementing the EPT’s PREDICT project, which will conduct surveillance for newly emerging diseases in high-risk wildlife (especially primates, bats and rodents) that could pose a major threat to human health in 24 countries around the globe. In order to do so, the WHC has partnered with the MGVP, as well as the Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Trust, Global Viral Forecasting Initiative, and the Smithsonian Institution. Other countries in Africa in which PREDICT will operate, in addition to Uganda and Rwanda, are: Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The emphasis of field activities will be on sampling and testing wildlife at high-risk interfaces, such as places or situations where people and wildlife come into close contact. This program will not only generate important data for preventing human pandemics, but will also increase capacity in all countries for wildlife disease surveillance. MGVP’s Dr. Benard Ssebide will serve as PREDICT country coordinator in Uganda; and new MGVP veterinarian Dr. Julius Nziza will serve as PREDICT country coordinator in Rwanda.