Wildlife Health Ghent (WHG) is a center of expertise  affiliated with the Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology & Zoological Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent.

​

In a complex context of climate change and other anthropogenic factors (such as habitat loss), wildlife diseases are a major contributor to the current loss of biodiversity (the sixth extinction wave). Our focus is therefore on preserving biodiversity by investigating stressors 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 complex interactions in order to help develop mitigation measures to tackle biodiversity loss. 

​

We focus on various wildlife species, ranging from amphibians to reptiles, mammals and birds. Our work encompasses four main pillars namely Research, Diagnostics, Surveillance and Education all of which that contribute in their own way to the conservation of a healthy ecosystem as the basis for a resilient natural world.