Parasitic infections and diseases of the wild fauna

The Danish Veterinary Consortium (DVK) handles the research-based consultancy services on parasitic diseases and diseases of wild fauna in Denmark. The services cover diagnostics, control and eradication of law-regulated parasitic infections in mammals, poultry and game. Exotic diseases, i.e. parasitic infections like Cystic Echinococcosis, pork tapeworm, besnoitiosis and leishmaniasis, not common in Denmark, are included to the extent necessary.

Parasites often have a development phase outside the host, so advice provided on a range of hosts, proliferation and survival of parasite stages in the environment is of significant importance and constitutes a natural One Health approach. DVK offer advice in connection with the preparation of the monitoring program and the design of new international rules and guidelines on zoonotic parasites. DVK also carry out training as required by the FVST’ courses for Trichinella-investigators. DVK cooperates with European research institutions through joint research projects and participate in meetings and workshops for national reference laboratories to share information and experience. 

In connection with changed travel patterns with animals and the climate changes in Denmark, resulting in increased temperatures and rain, the risk of introducing and establishing new vector-borne parasitic infections to Denmark has increased. DVK constantly updates information on the risk scenario, and develop methods for monitoring, prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. DVK work in close collaboration with veterinary diagnostic laboratories in parts of the EU, where vector-borne infections are common.