International symposium convened in Colombia advancing understanding of zoological and parasitological issues

From November 26-30, 2024, the 6th international symposium on wild animal parasites and other blood parasites and the 3rd international symposium on Wildlife Disease Research Network (WDRN) came together at the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia.

The participants of the 6th international symposium on wild animal parasites and other blood parasites and the 3rd international symposium on Wildlife Disease Research Network pose for a group photo.

The joint symposium aimed to showcase the latest advances in research on blood parasites, including malaria, and diseases affecting wildlife. It provided a platform for experts to share insights, foster connections, and develop collaborative efforts to enhance global surveillance and management of wildlife diseases.

The event emphasized the importance of cross-border and interdisciplinary exchanges and cooperation, aiming to bolster the international community's capacity to monitor and control diseases in wild animal populations.  

Participants were able to engage in discussions on the latest research findings and progress, facilitating a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field of wildlife health.

Co-sponsored by the National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia), the University of Antioquia (Universidad de Antioquia), and the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS), the University of Antioquia took on the role of the main organizer, with the ISZS playing a significant part in the conference's organization and preparation.  

The event garnered support from the Department of International Affairs of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST).

The symposium has attracted a prestigious lineup of attendees from acdemics and institutions around the globe, including Professor Rodolfo Dirzo from the Stanford University, Professor Dirzo is also expert from the ISZS-WDRN, a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, a foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States (US).

Other distinguished figures included Santiago Merino, Professor from the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Spain (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales), Jenny Dunn, Professor from the Keele University in the United Kingdom (UK) and Executive President of the Wildlife Malaria Network, and Edward C. Netherlands Professor from the University of the Free State in the South Africa.

The event was primarily conducted on-spot, with online components to enhance accessibility. Over 120 domestic and international experts and scholars from more than 20 countries, including China, the US, Colombia, Spain, Germany, the UK, France, Brazil, and Mexico, had gathered to discuss and share the latest research and insights on wildlife parasites and diseases. This collaborative effort aimed to foster global dialogue and advance the field of wildlife health and disease management.

The symposium was poised to be a landmark event in the field of parasitology, featuring 6 keynote speeches that delved into the complex world of blood parasites and their impact on wildlife and human health.

The symposium commenced on the morning of the 26th with Professor Santiago Merino's keynote, "Blood parasites and wildlife: the development of the discipline," followed by Academician Rodolfo Dirzo's afternoon presentation on "Rodent blood parasites from human residential areas."

On the 27th, Professor Jenny Dunn discussed the role and impact of WIMANET with her talk "WIMANET: who we are, what we do, and what we can do for you," while Professor Alexandra Corduneanu explored "Bloodborne pathogens related to bats" in the afternoon.

Dr. Alzbeta Sujanová presented "Birds and their hidden partners: is there a connection?" on the morning of the 28th, and the symposium concluded on the morning of the 29th with Professor Edward Netherlands' insights on "Biology of blood parasites in amphibians and reptiles: insights into host parasite interactions and ecology."  

The 4-day gathering was a pivotal platform for sharing the latest research, fostering collaboration, and advancing our understanding of blood parasites and their broader ecological impact.

During the symposium, a total of 54 oral presentations and 60 wall posters were showcased, highlighting the depth of research in the field.

Prominent among the contributors were 5 Chinese experts who delivered oral presentations, shedding light on various aspects of zoology and parasitology.

Researcher Jin Jianshi from the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), presented on "Automated data acquisition and artificial intelligence assisted cell type recognition," showcasing the integration of advanced technologies in cellular research.  

Professor Dong Lu from Beijing Normal University explored the intricate dynamics of "Understanding the coevolutionary dynamics of avian malaria parasites and hosts from hidden genetic diversity," providing insights into the genetic underpinnings of host-parasite relationships.

Professor Wen Longying from Leshan Normal University presented "An advantageous gut bacteria can regulate asymptomatic virus carrying in migratory birds," delved into the role of gut microbiota in bird health and disease transmission.

Dr. Huang Xi contributed to the understanding of "Transmission characteristics of haemosporidium between migratory and resident birds in the same domain," offering valuable data on parasite transmission patterns.

Wang Xinyi's presentation, "What bird species are more susceptible to avian malaria? -- a global study based on interpretable machine learning," utilized machine learning to predict avian malaria susceptibility across different bird species.

These presentations represented a significant contribution to the scientific discourse, advancing our understanding of zoological and parasitological issues and highlighting the cutting-edge research being conducted by Chinese institutions.

Han Chunxu, an advisory member of the ISZS, former Secretary-General, along with Jin Jianshi, youth working member of the ISZS, member of the Editorial board of the Integrated Zoology, and researcher from the Institute of Zoology of the CAS, chaired the keynote and oral reports respectively.

The symposium is another international symposium organized by the ISZS to go abroad and collaborate with local research institutions and universities.

It is also the first event held by the ISZS in the South America.

The symposium is conducive to further expanding the influence of the ISZS and promoting international exchanges and cooperation.  

The symposium promoted the research and cross-border exchanges and cooperation of wildlife diseases, enhanced the global monitoring and prevention capabilities of wildlife diseases, and promoted the construction, application, and promotion of technical standards and specifications for wildlife disease monitoring and prevention.

Tags: Department of International Affairs of CAST, International Society of Zoological Sciences