CRIPA strengthens international collaborations in Thailand

Saint-Hyacinthe, August 27, 2026 – From June 22 to 26, 2026, CRIPA was in Thailand to mobilize knowledge on the prevention of Streptococcus suis infections and gain a better understanding of small-scale pig farming.

From the laboratory to communities: mobilizing knowledge to prevent Streptococcus suis infections and combat antimicrobial resistance

Mariela Segura, Director of CRIPA, and Marcelo Gottschalk, CRIPA expert researcher, took part in several research, knowledge mobilization and community engagement activities with pig producers in Thailand. These activities are part of international projects supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS).

Conducted in close collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health at Kasetsart University, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University, and the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Thammasat University, these initiatives aim, among other things, to better understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of pig producers and other stakeholders in the swine sector regarding antimicrobial use, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), disease prevention, and the acceptability of vaccination as a preventive strategy.

Professors Potjanee Srimanote, Mariela Segura, Marcelo Gottschalk and Todd Lowary during an awareness-raising activity on the risks associated with consuming traditional dishes prepared with raw pork or raw blood.

An important component of the project also focuses on preventing human infections caused by Streptococcus suis, a zoonotic bacterium associated with pigs. In Thailand, the consumption of certain traditional dishes prepared with raw pork or raw blood, including loo and larb dib, remains common in some communities and represents a risk factor for infection. Awareness-raising activities therefore aim to promote safer food practices in order to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission.

To foster meaningful knowledge exchange with communities, the international team developed interactive educational tools adapted to the local context in collaboration with social science researchers. These tools include the “Mooshi Kit,” which features an educational game on antimicrobial resistance and zoonoses. The kit is used during training sessions with producers to encourage discussions about responsible antimicrobial use, vaccination and disease prevention practices.

Canada-Thailand international team involved in knowledge exchange activities with communities.

The “Mooshi Kit,” featuring a Snakes and Ladders-style educational game on antimicrobial resistance. This educational tool, developed in collaboration with social science researchers, aims to promote knowledge mobilization and community engagement.

The project also incorporates an important equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) component, including by documenting gender-related barriers that may influence the adoption of vaccination and preventive measures. Particular attention is given to the participation and capacity building of women involved in local pig production.

Interactive training activity with pig producers in Thailand using the “Mooshi Kit.”

Capacity-building activity with local women producers aimed at recognizing and strengthening the role of women in pig production and equipping them to serve as trainers within their communities.

Working closely with producers: understanding the realities of small-scale pig farming in Thailand

As part of their activities in Thailand, Mariela Segura and Marcelo Gottschalk also visited several small family-run pig farms (“backyard farms”) to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day realities of local producers.

Visit to a small family-run pig farm (“backyard farm”) with a local woman producer, providing an opportunity to better understand the realities of these farms and observe black pigs, a local breed raised in the region.

These field visits are an essential component of the projects supported by IDRC and ICARS, as they provide an opportunity to directly observe farming conditions and engage with producers about their practices, concerns and the challenges they face.

Economic realities, access to services and information, traditional practices, and the organization of work within families, including the role of women, can all influence the adoption of new preventive measures.

These activities provide a concrete example of the One Health approach championed by CRIPA, bringing together animal health, public health, zoonotic disease prevention and the fight against antimicrobial resistance. They also highlight the importance of international collaboration and knowledge mobilization in translating research findings into concrete actions adapted to the realities of local communities.

About the CRIPA

The CRIPA, Swine and poultry infectious diseases research center, is a Quebec strategic cluster financed by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (https://doi.org/10.69777/309365). Its mission is to improve the control of pathogens that affect the pig and poultry industries, having an economic impact and on the health of populations. Population health includes animal health and welfare, the health of workers and industry stakeholders, and the general public. For more information, visit www.cripa.center. 

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Information

Gabriela Silva-GuerraCommunications OfficerSwine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA)450-773-8521, ext. 8233 | gabriela.silvaguerra@umontreal.ca