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    Wildlife Futures Program

    Our program serves to increase disease surveillance, management, and research to better protect wildlife across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    What We DO

    Launched in 2019, the Wildlife Futures Program is a novel partnership between Penn Vet and the Pennsylvania Game Commission aimed at strengthening the resilience of the Commonwealth’s 480 species of birds and mammals.

    The Wildlife Futures Program conducts wildlife health surveillance, research, and outreach to inform and improve wildlife management in Pennsylvania and beyond.

    Wildlife Futures Logo

    Our Research

    The threat posed by disease to wildlife and its conservation is at an all-time high. Wildlife Futures is actively conducting research and surveillance to negate this concerning trend.

    • Investigating the impact of diseases and toxins on wildlife populations
    • Analyzing the transmission pathways of diseases affecting wildlife health
    • Informing management strategies to reduce the effects of disease on wildlife
    • Exploring the application of working dogs for wildlife research and conservation
    Deer In Pennsylvania Woods

    Preparedness and Surveillance

    The Wildlife Futures Program aims to be the resource for wildlife health surveillance and diagnostic expertise for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and other partners.

    Through our partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, we have been able to expand diagnostic capacities and capabilities for wildlife submissions, provide additional case management, assist in the fulfillment of wildlife management goals, and much more.

    Academic and Public Education

    The Wildlife Futures Program trains health professionals to help protect wild populations and promote conservation in Pennsylvania and beyond. Our team engages and educates members of the general public, wildlife agency staff, and veterinary students through in-person and virtual training sessions, presentations, and workshops.

    Eman Teaching

    Our Goals

    • Academic and Public Education: As a member of the University of Pennsylvania community, training the next generation of wildlife health professionals is key to our mission. Developing public awareness and interest in wildlife health is also fundamental to inspiring actions that promote wildlife health.
    • Preparedness and Surveillance: Preparation for wildlife health events is a cornerstone of the Wildlife Futures Program. It is crucial that we develop tools and techniques to monitor wildlife health while advancing programs and practices to be ready for emerging disease threats.
    • Professional Services: The Wildlife Futures Program is a highly trained and passionate team that provides professional and technical capacity to improve the work we do with wildlife. By training other wildlife professionals and researching new techniques, we help implement best practices and serve as a valued resource to advance practices.
    • Research: The Wildlife Futures Program has established a nationally recognized research program to improve diagnostic capabilities, understand disease effects, and guide disease management efforts. Our team leverages innovative approaches and expertise, collaborating with experts across the University of Pennsylvania to address the complex problems facing wildlife health.

    Read Our Annual Report

    Discover more about our ongoing research projects, disease surveillance focuses, and our growing education and outreach opportunities.

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    Report a Wildlife Health Issue

    Any wild birds or mammals that appear abnormal, injured, sick, or are found dead should be reported. Remember to always remain at a safe distance when observing wildlife and do not handle wildlife unless you are hunting, trapping, or authorized to do so. To report sick or dead wildlife, call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (742-9453).

    State Capitol Building of Pennsylvania

    University of Pennsylvania Avian Influenza Experts Provide Briefing to Pennsylvania Policy Makers

    As concerns about the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak continue to grow, experts from the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) and Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) visited…

    two chickens are standing in the grass

    University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Leading Collaborative Effort Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

    Since 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has rapidly spread throughout the Americas and poses ongoing risks to wildlife, livestock, and human health. The current outbreak is notable for infecting…

    A flock of snow geese.

    How Penn is helping with bird flu research and disease surveillance (link is external)

    Faculty are working on a new vaccine for the H5N1 virus, studying its transmission, and helping the state test samples from birds and mammals.

    Wildlife Futures

    382 West Street Road
    Kennett Square, PA 19348