Bethany Jackson

The concept that climate change can and does affect infectious-disease ecology makes intuitive sense. People without an understanding of epidemiology can appreciate that the occurrence and distribution of infectious disease varies under different environmental circumstances, even if they may not understand why this is the case. This chapter articulates the complexities and mechanisms of climate change's influence on animal infectious disease using current examples. It then offers strategies and a real-time example for incorporating this knowledge into animal health practice. Further, it challenges readers to seek understanding and cross-disciplinary relationships with managers and policy makers to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and action.

Parasite and other health hazards can pose substantial risks to reintroductions. It is therefore important that managers identify these hazards, estimate the risks they pose and, where deemed necessary, develop ways to manage these risks. A variety of approaches to disease risk assessment have been adopted in the Australasian region. Here we provide a brief review of the most common approaches to managing parasite and other health hazards in reintroduction. We discuss the respective strengths and weaknesses of each method and suggest ways we can improve our disease risk management into the future. In particular, we emphasise that risk assessment should be integrated in the broader decision process of a reintroduction program, maintaining a clear view of the overall management objectives, and then carefully creating and evaluating alternative management actions, including monitoring and surveillance.