Risk of Disease Transmission between Conservation Personnel and the Mountain Gorillas: Results from an Employee Health Program in Rwanda

Humans and gorillas share 97% of their genetic makeup which means the risk of disease transmission between the two is potentially high. Humans with high exposure and whose exposure-related activity can most easily be managed are park conservation personnel. In June 2001, the Morris Animal Foundation’s Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project initiated a health program for all employees working in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans in collaboration with in-country government and nongovernmental agencies. The goal is to improve the health of conservation personnel and reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission between employees and the park’s mountain gorillas. Employees annually receive a clinical examination and laboratory testing, and provide a clinical history, In 2002, analyses were performed on the dataset of 127 employees to identify potential risk factors associated with positive laboratory tests. Considering all fecal tests combined, 70.1% were positive for one or more pathogenic organisms. A high percentage (> 80%) tested positive on viral antibody titer testing for various communicable diseases including measles, chickenpox, and hepatitis. On multivariate analysis, the main risk factor for testing positive for any pathogenic organism was use of a pit latrine at home. Vaccination against childhood communicable diseases and improved human waste disposal could be critical control points for preventing disease transmission to mountain gorillas. Program results have been shared with local health officials to aid in their efforts to improve village health and sanitation standards, and with park employers as a basis for ongoing employee health education.