The use of risk analysis methodology to generate evidence-based decision making in zoo animal disease management: using simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in De Brazza’s monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus) as a model

Abstract

Difficult decisions regarding the management of disease in zoo animals are faced routinely. These may have a significant impact on the individual animal or a population of animals and therefore the best available evidence must be used. However, in zoos there are many situations where there is a lack of peer-reviewed papers, or significant uncertainty, controversy or confusion means that decision-making is hindered. This paper demonstrates how qualitative risk analysis techniques can be used to aide decision-making in circumstances where there is a lack of other evidence. Simian immunodeficiency virus in the De Brazza’s monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) has been diagnosed in the European population. Risk analysis was used to generate management guidelines to address the potential risks to other De Brazza’s monkeys, other primates and humans.