COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF ONE HEALTH: STRENGTHENING SURVEILLANCE OF EMERGING AND RE-EMERGING DISEASES IN WILDLIFE ANIMALS.

Abstract

In light of the growing challenge in identifying the risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, particularly those originating from wildlife, this request for a Visitor Researcher Grant seeks support for the visit to Brazil of the renowned researcher Dr. Denise McAloose, aimed at strengthening One Health surveillance programs in the State of São Paulo. Dr. McAloose leads the pathology and molecular diagnostics laboratories at the Wildlife Conservation Society, an internationally acclaimed organization dedicated to wildlife conservation headquartered in the Bronx, New York. With her expertise in sanitary events involving wildlife, Dr. McAloose will play a key role in the consolidation and refinement of research projects developed in this field, providing international knowledge and experience in comparative pathology. The collaboration will result in the establishment of a comprehensive One Health surveillance network, utilizing histopathological data to monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases among wildlife, humans, and livestock. During the visit, Dr. McAloose will collaborate on projects conducted at the Adolfo Lutz Institute, University of São Paulo (São Paulo and Pirassununga campuses), and São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (Botucatu and Jaboticabal campuses), solidifying partnerships for the establishment of a wildlife surveillance network in the State of São Paulo. Additionally, students from postgraduate programs, undergraduate students, and residents from various institutions will have the opportunity to discuss their research projects, analyze necropsy and histopathology cases, and learn molecular biology techniques. This initiative aims not only to protect the unique biodiversity of the State of São Paulo but also to significantly contribute to global health promotion. (AU)