Immediate detection and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks in animals are valuable strategies to prevent infections in humans. Detection and early warning of wildlife-borne pathogens are often limited by the lack of sensitized observers, efficient reporting mechanisms, trained personnel to conduct wildlife sampling, and adequate diagnostic capacity.
The Emerging Pandemic Threats PREDICT Program applied a One Health approach in Bolivia to address these limitations. From 2010 to 2013, PREDICT successfully trained and involved different stakeholders in wildlife sampling and surveillance activities, developed molecular diagnostic capacity for priority viral families with zoonotic potential, and facilitated communications among key government agencies. In this context, the present case-study describes a yellow fever (YF) outbreak affecting monkeys in Bolivia, and highlights how prompt investigation and response helped prevent transmission to humans.