NEW YORK - August 5, 2005 - Alonso Aguirre has been elected to serve a four-year term as Chairman of the World Association of Wildlife Veterinarians (WAWV). Dr. Aguirre is Vice President for Conservation Medicine at Wildlife Trust, the premier international organization working to understand the links between ecosystem, wildlife and human health.

WAWV is an Associate Member of the World Veterinary Association (WVA), with primary roles in advising WVA on matters relating to biodiversity conservation and wildlife management. Other aims include to:

• unite veterinarians specializing in both captive and free-living wildlife medicine;
• create and promote international meetings and seminars (since 1997, WAWV has offered conferences in Mexico, Tunisia, Australia, the UK and USA);
• promote the welfare of wildlife;
• coordinate and exchange information on wildlife in relation to research and teaching at veterinary faculties;
• foster close relations with wildlife and conservation groups; and
• provide a directory of wildlife veterinarians and institutions providing education in wildlife medicine.

WAWV has more than 300 members in 50 countries, with many in developing countries. Its quarterly newsletters provide an important source of information to all members, but especially for those in developing countries.

In making the announcement, Anthony English, said, "As most recent Past-Chairman and now President of WAWV, I speak for all members when I say that we are proud indeed to welcome Alonso as our new leader, and wish him well in his endeavours."

Dr. Aguirre responded, "It is with great pleasure that I assume the role as Chairman of WAWV and I understand the challenges we have ahead of us. We could not have a better time to lead the WAWV and its role as new diseases continue to emerge in wildlife, humans and domestic animals.

"In fact, one of my primary roles will be to work closely with Dr. Francis Scullion (from Northern Ireland and former WAWV president) on the recently formed WAWV Subcommittee on Emerging Wildlife Health Issues. Our first priority is to establish health management plans for the prevention of avian influenza and other emerging diseases crossing the species barriers. Some challenging times are ahead for the WAWV and I hope to form a successful team to advance the Association in the best of our capabilities."

Mary Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust, said of the election, "The Wildlife Trust community is enormously proud of Dr. Aguirre's leadership in the field of wildlife veterinary medicine and his pioneering work developing the new field of conservation medicine, which links wildlife medicine to ecosystem health. Dr. Aguirre not only develops new techniques, tools and theoretical approaches: he also ensures that every advance in his science is communicated to health professionals on the ground, all over the world."

For additional information, contact:

Linda Shockley in U.S.A.:
shockley@wildlifetrust.org
212/380-4469;

Anthony English in Australia:
anthonye@camden.usyd.edu.au
Phone 61 (2) 9351 1675
Fax 61 (2) 9351 1693

About Wildlife Trust

Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health. Wildlife Trust is a conservation science innovator and leverages research expertise through strategic global alliances. Wildlife Trust pioneered the field of Conservation Medicine, a new discipline that addresses the link between ecological disruption of habitats and the effects on wildlife, livestock and human health.

Founded in 1971 by British naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, Wildlife Trust has built its reputation on 35 years of global research, education, training and experience. Research and conservation work in the United States include programs in the metropolitan New York area, Florida and along the coast of the Southeastern U.S.

Internationally, Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists around the world to save endangered species and their habitats and to protect the health of vital ecosystems. Wildlife Trust created the first egalitarian international network of science-based conservation organizations called the Wildlife Trust Alliance and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique think-tank of prestigious academic institutions.

Visit www.wildlifetrust.org to read more.

Media Contact:
Anthony Ramos, Wildlife Trust
Director for Marketing & Communications
ramos@wildlifetrust.org
212/380-4469

# # #