In the past the MDEU has been deployed in tropical, temperate, coastal, sub alpine and arid zones of Australia and has examined wildlife disease/health issues in para-urban, dry forest, wet forest, agricultural and riparian systems. The unit is a valuable adjunct to many wildlife projects and provides capabilities in the following areas.

In situ Wildlife Health Assessment

Disease, nutritional and reproductive assessment in the context of habitat and land use, i.e. what are the rates and determinants of mortality, morbidity and fecundity in a population and how do these relate to local land management practice? This can be particularly helpful in managing threatened populations.

Wildlife Crisis Management

Triage, rescue and rehabilitation during floods, fires and other catastrophic events.

Investigation of Wildlife Epizootics

Pathological and aetiological investigation of novel disease events.

Ethical Anaesthesia and Restraint of Wildlife

Safe, effective and humane restraint methods are particularly valuable when detailed clinical, physiological or epidemiological investigations are required in situ. We also provide assistance with project design including experimental method, trap design, animal welfare, handling and data analysis.

Trapping and Telemetry

MDEU staff members have a wide experience in fitting wildlife telemetry devices and in training people in efficient telemetry techniques.

Sero-Surveys and Disease Transmission Risk Assessment

Proactive screening wildlife reservoirs for zoonotic diseases and diseases transferable to production species.

Wildlife Population Management and Control

Urban wildlife population control can be achieved by non-lethal and humane measures such as reproductive management and monitoring programs.