Abstract

Introduction

Potential disease transmission from humans has been identified as a key threat affecting population viability of the mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). In 2000, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project’s (MGVP) human health working group identified strategies that could be incorporated into future programming to reduce the risk of disease transmission between humans and gorillas, while improving both the health of humans living in close proximity to the gorillas and relations with local community members. One strategy, an employee health program (EHP), targets park conservation employees as the human group with the most frequent close contact with mountain gorillas.

Methods

In 2001, MGVP initiated an EHP for personnel in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda, which involves clinical history and physical examination, laboratory tests, follow-up care for health problems, vaccinations, and health education. Sociodemographic data provide a basis for developing disease risk profiles. Standardized data collection allows for comparative analyses of health indicators over time to strengthen understanding of the relationship between human and gorilla health. Testing consisted of parasite, bacterial and viral tests on feces, malaria screening, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, packed cell volume (PCV) sedimentation, an automated complete blood count (CBC) analysis, blood chemistry tests and dip stick tests on urine.

Results

A high prevalence of potentially transmissible pathogens was found. For example, 48.8% of personnel were infected with at least one type of gastrointestinal parasite, and fecal culture results indicated 37.3% had Campylobacter sp., 4.6% had Salmonella sp., and 0.7% had Shigella sp. The type of latrine used and education level were the variables most strongly associated with pathogen prevalence.

Conclusion

Results of the EHP indicate that conservation personnel carry pathogens that can be transmitted to the mountain gorillas. Focusing on human health as a wildlife disease prevention strategy is a novel approach, and is particularly relevant at interfaces between human and nonhuman primate populations.