Central Asian experts strengthen wildlife disease surveillance and launch regional One Health network

The three-day Regional Laboratory Diagnostics Workshop brought together scientists and laboratory specialists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom in April. Hosted with the support of the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Center for Biotechnology and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the workshop combined practical laboratory training with discussions on wildlife disease ecology, biosafety, field sampling and molecular diagnostics.

Participants strengthened practical skills in molecular diagnostics for zoonotic pathogens in wildlife, including PCR and Sanger sequencing, interpretation of sequencing data and primer design. Training also covered biosafety, safe handling of potentially infected biological samples and appropriate use of personal protective equipment and biological safety cabinets.

Elina Maltseva, who led the biosafety component throughout the workshop, stressed that reliable disease diagnostics depend not only on technical expertise, but also on rigorous procedures that protect laboratory personnel and prevent exposure or contamination.

“Good biosafety practices are fundamental to reliable wildlife disease surveillance. When working with potentially infectious samples, protecting laboratory staff and preventing contamination must be built into every step of the process. Strengthening these practices alongside diagnostic skills helps laboratories produce safer, more reliable results and ultimately supports better preparedness for zoonotic disease risks,” said Elina Maltseva, Head of Biosafety and Biosecurity Department of the Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology of Kazakhstan.

Beyond technical skills, the workshop explored the wider links between biodiversity loss, climate change and zoonotic disease emergence. Participants discussed how changes in ecosystems, wildlife populations and human activity can influence disease risks, and why stronger wildlife monitoring and laboratory diagnostics are important for prevention, preparedness and evidence-based decision-making.

“Wildlife disease surveillance is becoming increasingly important in a changing world, where biodiversity loss, climate change and human pressures on ecosystems can all influence zoonotic disease risks. This workshop helped strengthen practical laboratory skills, but also created space for regional exchange and future collaboration among scientists working at the interface of wildlife, ecosystems and health,” said Fay Webster, Postdoctoral Research Associate in One Health, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

The workshop also highlighted the importance of connecting field and laboratory work. Decisions made during field sampling, from study design and sample collection to storage and transport, can directly affect the quality of laboratory results and the reliability of disease detection.

“For Central Asia, strengthening laboratory capacity for wildlife disease diagnostics is an important step towards better understanding and managing zoonotic risks. By bringing together experts from across the region, the workshop supported both technical learning and the development of a professional network that can contribute to stronger One Health cooperation in the future,” said Vitaliy Gromov, Advisor to the Director General, Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Keeping the regional exchange going

The connections established in Almaty are now being carried forward beyond the workshop. Participants exchanged experiences, discussed common challenges and identified opportunities for continued cooperation on wildlife monitoring, biosafety and zoonotic disease research.

To support this growing community, the 1Health4Nature project launched a dedicated One Health in Nature Conservation network for experts, practitioners and partners working on wildlife health, zoonotic disease prevention, biodiversity monitoring and related One Health topics in Central Asia. It functions as an informal space to share updates, publications, events, training opportunities, technical questions and practical examples of One Health approaches from across the region. Experts interested in joining the group can do so here. 

The workshop was organised under the One Health in Nature Conservation in Central Asia (1Health4Nature) project, which aims to reduce the risk of zoonoses - diseases that can be naturally transmitted between animals and people - by addressing links between ecosystem health, wildlife conservation and human health. The project works to address drivers of epidemic risk while strengthening a fair and effective regional network of protected and conserved areas. It is implemented by IUCN together with a consortium of national and international organisations across five Central Asian countries over five years, from 2024 to 2029.

The project is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Government of Germany. Within the Federal Government, IKI is anchored in the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Selected individual projects are also the responsibility of the Federal Foreign Office (AA).