Rwanda provides an optimal opportunity for wildlife zoonotic
disease surveillance in continental Africa’s most densely
populated country. Almost the entire country is cultivated for
subsistence farming, and intensive human land use abuts the
boundaries of all three national parks (Volcanoes, Nyungwe
Forest, and Akagera), forcing some wildlife species
(particularly birds but including primates) to utilize highly
urbanized or agriculturalized habitats. A developed tourism
industry exists – 1 million visitors last year, and the
country’s largest source of foreign revenue – and is largely
centered on opportunities to view wild mountain gorillas in
Volcanoes NP, bringing people into daily direct and indirect
contact with mountain gorillas, and by extension, other wildlife
species, including primates. Like other Rift Valley countries,
Rwanda is promoting cave tourism, which also brings people into
close contact with bats. UC Davis’ implementing partner, the
Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP), has operated i