Wildlife Health Event Reporter (WHER)
The Wildlife Health Event Reporter (WHER) is a website that enables anyone with an Internet connection to report sightings of sick or dead wildlife. It was developed so that people around the world can easily share information about possible health threats to wildlife and humans. Users of the WHER create accounts online to register sightings and anyone can visit the site to see what others have reported. Users can also subscribe to receive reports via e-mail. The website allows local wildlife officials to have their contact information given out to those who submit reports. HealthMap.org, another Web site, has enhanced its mobile phone application "Outbreaks Near Me" to accept and relay wildlife health reports to the WHER site.
Outcomes
These tools that enable the public to report sick or dead wild animals could also lead to the detection and containment of wildlife disease outbreaks that may pose a health risk to people. Both the WHER and "Outbreaks Near Me" are designed to advance One Health, a worldwide initiative to expand interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Kurt Sladky
Clinical Associate Professor
- Department/Unit
- Surgical Sciences
- School or College
- School of Veterinary Medicine