As part of a One Health objective of the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Tree Kangaroo SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) Program, the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) and Zoo Miami conducted a water quality project from various water sources in the YUS Conservation Area of Papua New Guinea. This project engaged EnviroDNA with the objective to evaluate the water quality of remote sites, which included using eDNA to track gastrointestinal pathogens in waterways and understand catchment health for the conservation forest and human communities.

SourceDNA was used as a solution to efficiently monitor high interest zones and understand the distribution of pathogens of interest. EnviroDNA provided training and protocols to the TKCP team in Papua New Guinea, who designed a survey across a portion of the YUS Conservation Area. Water samples of rivers and drinking water sites were sourced from nearby waterways and communal faucets. Samples were analysed using SourceDNA and enabled surveillance of gastrointestinal pathogens (viruses, bacteria and parasites).

The results are shared with the community through the SourceDNA visual mapping tool to help understand gastrointestinal pathogen trends down the catchments. Applying state-of-the-art eDNA sequencing technology will provide the TKCP and local communities with the ability to rapidly access important data on waterway health impacting these communities. Sampling engaged with local people and empowered the team with knowledge and training to undertake eDNA waterway health monitoring. This data will be available for local authorities to help guide decision making for improved management of human and environmental health.