​Our Mission for Biodiversity
Wildlife diseases, just like habitat loss and climate change, are a major driver of biodiversity loss and the sixth mass extinction. Our focus is therefore on biodiversity conservation by investigating factors that affect the health of wildlife. The impact of infections on wildlife populations depends on a complex interplay between the host, the environment and the pathogen. We try to understand the mechanisms behind these interactions in order to help develop mitigation strategies to tackle biodiversity loss. 

Combining disciplines

Wildlife Health Ghent (WHG) is affiliated with the Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology & Zoological Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent. Our group works in a interdisciplinary way. With a team of researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds, We study the threats that wild animals and ecosystems are currently facing.

Research Focus

We focus on various wild animal species, including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Our work is organized around four main pillars: Research, Diagnostics, Surveillance, and Education. Each pillar contributes to the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem, which forms the basis for a resilient natural environment.