Symposium "Triggers of zoonotic pathogen emergence"
Emerging diseases are infectious diseases that are new or rapidly spreading to new geographical areas or species. They often originate in wildlife. Factors such as climate change, deforestation, habitat loss and global trade increase the risk of the emergence and spread of such diseases.
The recent emergence of avian influenza (H5N1) in several mammals is one such worrying development. Although avian flu traditionally mainly affects birds, in recent years there have been increasing reports of infections in mammals, such as foxes, seals and recently dairy cows in the US. The risk of this virus affecting humans sooner or later is not inconceivable.
In addition, vector-borne diseases, diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, play a growing role in the spread of infectious diseases. Again, we see globalisation and climate change contributing to the expansion of the habitats of these vectors. This allows various infectious diseases to spread more rapidly to areas where they did not previously occur. This highlights the need to monitor them internationally.
Bats are also a unique source of pathogens and are known worldwide as reservoirs for a variety of viruses, including some of the most deadly such as Ebola, SARS, MERS, and most recently SARS-CoV-2. These mammals have an exceptional immune system that allows them to carry viruses without getting sick themselves. This makes bats an important link in the chain of emerging diseases.
This and much more will be discussed at the 10th symposium of the Belgian Wildlife Disease Society (BWDS) and University of Antwerp (UA), a scientific study day with renowned speakers from home and abroad and with plenty of room for networking. Not to be missed, be quick as places are limited!
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