ABOUT WHIS
The Wildlife Health Information System (WHIS) is a digital tool created by VIEW to track the health of wild animals. It was developed to address a major gap in conservation. There is no single system for recording and sharing wildlife health data, especially for endangered species.
WHIS helps conservationists, veterinarians, and wildlife rescue teams securely collect and access up-to-date information about animal health, including diseases, injuries, treatments, and outcomes. All data is stored in the cloud, so it remains safe and accessible even in remote areas or places with limited infrastructure.
This matters not just for animals, but for people too. About 75 percent of new and emerging diseases in humans come from animals. These zoonotic diseases, including COVID-19 and bird flu, can spread quickly between wildlife, livestock, and people. Without proper monitoring, the risk of future outbreaks and pandemics increases.
By creating a central system for wildlife health records, WHIS:
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Save time and reduce costs while making it easier to collect, share, and analyze information
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Keep health records and test results in one secure, searchable place
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Collaborate with other organizations, with data-sharing controlled by the user
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Use the same standards for data collection across species and sites
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Strengthen disease surveillance and plan targeted health responses
Just like humans need electronic health records, wildlife needs them too. WHIS gives us the tools to protect both animals and people by improving how we track and respond to disease.
HOW WHIS WORKS?
CURRENT WHIS PROJECTS
VIEW is working with state agencies in Oregon, including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, to develop WHIS as part of a statewide wildlife health program. The goal is to build a comprehensive system that tracks health data across all wildlife species, helping improve monitoring, treatment, and long-term planning.
Oregon Wildlife Health Program
WHIS is actively used in Akagera National Park to support the rewilding of rhinos and improve overall wildlife health. It is integrated into Rwanda’s national wildlife health program to help collect, analyze, and share critical health information across the country’s conservation network.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
VIEW is working with researchers from UC Davis and other leading universities to tackle a deadly herpes virus affecting young elephants across Asia. Through WHIS, the team is digitizing 50 years of health records from over 6,000 elephants. This large-scale dataset will help uncover patterns in how the virus spreads and guide efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survival.
Asian Elephant Health Project:
WHIS is simple to use, even in remote areas. Wildlife teams enter health data in the field through an app that works offline.
Key features include:
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Record species, health issues, treatments, and outcomes
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Add photos to support better tracking and diagnosis
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Spot patterns and disease trends over time
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Share information safely with trusted partners
Use dashboards to understand what’s happening at different sites. VIEW also trains and supports local teams so they can use WHIS confidently and keep it running long-term.
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