Urgent Action to curb COVID to people and gorillas

This report covers the Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) project on GlobalGiving Urgent Action to curb COVID to people and gorillas. The last report was shared in November 2025, when the campaign received 232 donations amounting to $30,783.38 out of our $35,000 fundraising goal. To date, the project has received 239 donations amounting to $30,871.18 out of our $35000 fundraising goal.

During this quarter, we have managed to carry out the following activities;

1. Gorilla Health monitoring, including gorilla fecal sample analysis

Our team continued to strengthen Gorilla Health Monitoring efforts in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers and the Gorilla Guardians, routine health monitoring continued across all 28 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and Mgahinga Conservation Area (BMCA). Our team was able to collect a total of 608 faecal samples from the gorilla night nest. These samples were analysed at the CTPH Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Centre (GHCCC) field laboratory to check for parasites and other diseases which gorillas could be sharing with neighbouring people and livestock, with selected samples preserved for future viral testing. 

1. Deworming of livestock and humans around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

To enhance disease surveillance among humans, mountain gorillas, and livestock, CTPH conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis using an intestinal parasite, Ascaris spp, as an indicator. This activity was followed by mass deworming of both humans and livestock that were sampled. Ascaris spp. is of zoonotic importance since it affects all three species, and therefore, determining and identifying the dynamics of its infection among these species informs us about the rate of cross-transmission of diseases among them. This activity was done in conjunction with the local government (sub-county Vet), CCAHWs, VHCTs, and Health workers from the health center around. 

1. Disease outbreak response in districts surrounding  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In February 2026, villages around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park experienced an outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as goat plague. This highly contagious disease severely affected these communities, as many goats died. To support communities, the CTPH Veterinary team reached out and did interventions for the mildly infected goats since the disease has no specific treatment. In addition to this intervention, farmers were also trained in basic biosecurity and biosafety measures to prevent further spreading of the disease. Although this disease is not of zoonotic importance, the impacts of the outbreak inform us about the critical need for early warning and detection systems in case there is an equivalent outbreak among the endangered mountain gorillas.

1. Gorilla births
   
   This quarter, the Bitukura gorilla family welcomed a delightful newborn, who was seen by our team and cared for by Mother Gold. The identity of the father remains uncertain among the three silverbacks in this group: the dominant silverback Mugisha, the second-in-command silverback Kadogo, and the elder and former dominant silverback Rukumu. Due to his advanced age, Rukumu was seen by our team as no longer able to climb up trees to gather food and currently relies on his family members to drop down some fruits and other food items for him. This gesture highlights the deep family bonds within this vibrant gorilla family.
   
   Mgahinga Gorilla National Park welcomed a newborn baby gorilla, born to the adult female Chizanye. This heartwarming addition increased the family size from 10 to 11 members.
   
   The Binyindo gorilla family welcomed a newborn born to adult female Rwanzu. Both the mother and the baby were seen by our team doing fine. This increased the family size from 8 to 9 members!
   
   We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you on behalf of the Village Covid-19 Taskforce members, Community Animal Health Workers, our partners and the CTPH Team for your support. Together, we are safeguarding an endangered species and enhancing the resilience of the community.

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