Hunter-based ape mortality surveillance in Northern Republic of Congo

Ebola virus disease (EVD) has caused significant mortality amongst western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in central Africa. Over 20+ years, multiple EVD... [ view full abstract ]

Ebola virus disease (EVD) has caused significant mortality amongst western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in central Africa. Over 20+ years, multiple EVD epizootics have occurred in the region of Odzala-Koukoua National Park (OKNP) in northern Republic of Congo (Congo), the last confirmed in 2005. Among the challenges to studying EVD’s impact on apes has been detecting great ape mortality in free-ranging populations and collecting biological samples for diagnostics. Since 2007, in partnership with the Congolese Ministry of Health, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has conducted hunter-based ape mortality monitoring in the peri-OKNP region. Hunters are educated about Ebola virus, the dangers of EVD and how to reduce human exposure. In return, they report ape and other large mammal carcasses. A WCS veterinary team confirms the presence of the carcass(es), collects biological specimens for diagnostic testing and conducts directed reconnaissance walk surveys for additional carcasses and to collect ecological data (ape, human and other large mammal sign). The network involves nearly 2,500 hunters in more than 160 villages, effectively covering more than 114,000 km2 of high-EVD-risk landscape. Since 2007 the network has confirmed 14 gorilla and 3 chimpanzee carcasses. None have tested positive for Ebolavirus. Since EVD epidemics in the region have been preceded by epizootics, this NGO-government partnership also functions as an early warning system for human health.