Wildlife Health Assessment and Zoonotic Disease Risk at Ecotourism Sites in Ogun State

The intersection of wildlife, human, and domestic animal populations at ecotourism sites creates conditions favorable for zoonotic pathogen transmission, a risk that has received increased scientific attention following recent global disease emergence events. In Ogun State's forested ecotourism areas within Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone, no systematic wildlife health surveillance program exists, and the zoonotic disease risk profile of these sites is unknown. This study conducts a wildlife health assessment and zoonotic disease risk evaluation at three ecotourism sites in Ogun State, including Omo Forest Reserve, Olokemeji Forest Reserve, and Ijebu Forest Reserve. Wildlife samples including blood, fecal, and nasal swabs were collected from 65 individually captured or live-trapped animals across six species. Serological testing for priority zoonotic pathogens including Nipah-related paramyxoviruses, Ebola virus antibodies, Trypanosoma species, and Salmonella was conducted in partnership with the Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. Domestic animal and ecotourism visitor surveys provided complementary epidemiological data. Results confirm evidence of exposure to Trypanosoma brucei in bushbuck populations and Salmonella carriage in primate species at two sites. No evidence of Ebola or paramyxovirus antibodies was detected in current samples. The study recommends mandatory pre-tour health briefings for ecotourists, wildlife-livestock contact reduction measures at buffer zones, and regular wildlife health sentinel surveillance programs. Keywords: zoonotic diseases, wildlife health, ecotourism, Ogun State, South West Nigeria