Central Asian experts are strengthening wildlife disease surveillance and regional cooperation through a new One Health network focused on wildlife health, zoonotic diseases and biodiversity conservation.
A three-day Regional Laboratory Diagnostics Workshop held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, brought together scientists and laboratory specialists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom. The April workshop combined practical laboratory training with discussions on wildlife disease ecology, biosafety, field sampling and molecular diagnostics.
Participants developed practical skills in PCR, Sanger sequencing, sequencing data analysis and primer design for detecting zoonotic pathogens in wildlife. Training also covered biosafety procedures, safe sample handling and the proper use of personal protective equipment and biological safety cabinets.
Experts highlighted the importance of linking high-quality laboratory diagnostics with effective field sampling, storage and transportation. Stronger coordination between field and laboratory teams can improve disease detection and support better preparedness for emerging zoonotic risks.
The initiative is now moving beyond the workshop through the launch of the One Health in Nature Conservation network. The regional community provides experts, practitioners and partners with a platform to exchange research, training opportunities, technical knowledge and practical experiences related to wildlife health and zoonotic disease prevention.
The network forms part of the One Health in Nature Conservation in Central Asia (1Health4Nature) project, which seeks to reduce zoonotic disease risks by addressing the connections between ecosystem health, wildlife conservation and human health.
The five-year 1Health4Nature project, running from 2024 to 2029, is implemented by IUCN with national and international partners across Central Asia. By strengthening laboratory capacity, wildlife monitoring and cross-border scientific collaboration, the initiative aims to support more effective One Health approaches and improve regional preparedness for zoonotic disease threats.
Supported by Germany’s International Climate Initiative, the project highlights the growing importance of cooperation between wildlife, environmental and public health experts as climate change, biodiversity loss and human pressures continue to influence disease risks.
