San Cristóbal Island, in the Galapagos Archipelago, has inaugurated its first animal health laboratory with the aim of improving disease detection, carrying out the sanitary monitoring of species and being able to train local professionals in wildlife medicine.
The new center is the result of an alliance between the San Francisco de Quito University (USFQ), through its Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and Gaias Europe research centers, the Oceanogràfic of Valencia, and other international institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC).
This effort will allow implementing an integral veterinary program of wildlife, known as “One Health”, in order to consolidate Galapagos as a global reference in conservation and animal health.
Interconnected methodology
The “One Health” approach is a multidisciplinary model that recognizes the interconnection between the health of animals, that of humans and that of the environment. This method helps prevent and control diseases and allows us to understand the influence of ecosystems on human health and biodiversity.
«Contact between sea lions, domestic and human dogs can cause disease transmission. Knowing these interactions helps us prevent pandemics and respond quickly, ”said Diego Quiroga, rector of the USFQ.
The Oceanogràfic de Valencia (CACSA – GVA) and its foundation contribute their experience in the study of diseases in wildlife and its interaction with domestic and human animals.
Daniel García-Párraga, scientific director of the Oceanogràfic Foundation, explained that “we want to understand why animals are dying, what viruses are circulating and how they can affect the fauna and humans. Through the ‘One Health’ approach, we ensure effective monitoring to manage the health of ecosystems ».
A bridge for conservation
One of the pillars of the project is international cooperation, which will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources between countries. In this context, Rafael Jordá, general director of Gaias Europe, highlighted “the importance of the connection between both continents to strengthen conservation in the archipelago.”
As he explained, “the project will focus on health surveillance and monitoring through monitoring and diagnostic protocols to prevent disease outbreaks in key species.”
«In addition, the training of veterinarians and laboratory technicians will be promoted in wildlife management, together with the development of infrastructure to expand laboratories and establish mobile veterinary care units in the islands of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela.
Another fundamental aspect will be global academic training through exchange programs for students and professionals in Ecuador and other countries, promoting applied research and technology transfer.
In the long term, the program seeks to ensure its sustainability through strategic alliances and environmental education programs that strengthen conservation in the region.
Carlos Mena, co -director of the Galapagos Science Center, stressed that “one of the main objectives is to understand how human and pet diseases affect wildlife, to develop effective prevention and mitigation strategies.”
Global Health and Conservation Model
This laboratory will lay the foundations of a replicable model in other vulnerable regions of the planet, establishing galapagos as a reference center in wildlife veterinary medicine.
The combination of research, education and development of local capacities will ensure the long -term conservation of the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands and will strengthen global collaboration in the protection of biodiversity.
#animal #health #laboratory #Galapagos #Islands
