Advances in biosecurity and surveillance of infectious animal diseases presented in Barcelona
- Gabriela Silva-Guerra
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Saint-Hyacinthe, April 29, 2026 – On April 23, the Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (IRTA-CReSA), in collaboration with the Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), presented the results of several joint projects at an event held in Spain, on the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. This scientific meeting highlighted innovative work related to the challenges of biosecurity and surveillance of animal diseases within a One Health framework.
The event began with a welcome word from the director of IRTA-CReSA, Natàlia Majó Masferrer and concluded with a speech from the director of CRIPA, Mariela Segura.
Several experts from CReSA, CRIPA and other institutions shared their expertise through conferences on current topics, including:
Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, Professor at Université de Montréal : Surveillance, at the core of regional biosecurity.
André Diler, PhD student under the supervision of Professors Pablo Valdes Donoso, Martine Boulianne and Beatriz Garcia Morante : AI-based multimodal analyses to reveal hidden health risks and behaviors in poultry and swine.
Àlex Cobos, researcher at IRTA-CReSA : Developing SNAPP-TB: an AI-based model to support TB surveillance at the slaughterhouse.
The event also benefited from the presence of government representatives, including Alfons Calderón, head of Economic and Institutional Affairs at the Bureau du Québec à Barcelone, as well as Monica Vaillancourt, scientist in residence at the same office. We also highlight the contribution of Carlos Sánchez, from the Departament d'Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca i Alimentació of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
By bringing together scientists, stakeholders and decision-makers, this workshop demonstrated in concrete terms that the success of surveillance and biosecurity programs depends on effective communication, data sharing and close coordination, essential elements for meeting health challenges beyond borders.
The organizers wish to thank Evah Corp., the Fonds de recherche du Québec (https://doi.org/10.69777/309365) and the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie (MRIF) for their financial support, as well as the valuable collaboration of the Diputació de Barcelona and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
About IRTA-CReSA
IRTA-CReSA is an Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA) and part of the Institute for Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), an institute employing over 1,100 people across 21 sites in Catalonia. It is a public institution under the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia. Its mission is to address the main challenges of food production through scientific research, innovation, consulting, and knowledge dissemination. Among these challenges is the "One Health" approach, an area in which IRTA-CReSA is a key player at the European level. For more information, visit https://www.irta.cat/en/centre/irta-cresa/.
About CRIPA
CRIPA, Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center, is a Quebec-based strategic cluster funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec. Its mission is to improve the control of pathogens affecting the swine and poultry industries, which have an economic impact and affect public health. Public health includes animal health and welfare, the health of agricultural workers and industry stakeholders, and the general public. For more information, visit www.cripa.center.
-30-
Renseignements
Gabriela Silva-Guerra
Agente de communication
Centre de recherche en infectiologie porcine et avicole (CRIPA)
450 773 8521, poste 8233 | gabriela.silvaguerra@umontreal.ca
Comments