Two CReSA experts visit CRIPA
- Gabriela Silva-Guerra
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Saint-Hyacinthe, October 20, 2025 – On October 7, 8 and 9, the Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA) had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Natàlia Majó Masferrer and Dr. Beatriz Garcia Morante from the Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA) of the Institut de Recerca i Technologies Agroalimentàries (IRTA), located in Spain.
This visit is part of the ongoing scientific exchanges between the two research centers which share a common objective: to advance animal health through collaborative research and innovation.
Their stay began on October 7th with a visit to the Centre intégré des maladies infectieuses animales (CIMIA) and the Centre de diagnostic vétérinaire de l’Université de Montréal (CDVUM), two key infrastructures for disease research and surveillance. The visit was accompanied by discussions with Profs. Nahuel Fittipaldi, Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, Christopher Fernandez-Prada and Carl Gagnon, opening the door to future collaborative projects.
The visitors then met with Prof. Pablo Valdes Donoso and part of his team from the Plateforme IA-Agrosanté (PIAAS). During this meeting, the two PIAAS data scientists, Dr. Moussa and Ms. Le Manac’h, presented the progress of a collaborative project between PIAAS and CReSA on the automated recognition of lesions detected in slaughterhouses.
On October 8th, CReSA experts met with Dean, Prof. David Francoz and Vice-Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, Prof. Younès Chorfi at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal. They also delivered two highly acclaimed lectures:
Dr. Natàlia Majó Masferrer: Current Research Activities at CReSA and Potential Synergies with CRIPA
Dr. Beatriz Garcia Morante: Leveraging Data to Improve Animal Health and Welfare: Insights from CReSA
Finally, on October 9th, they visited the Deschambault Swine Research Station, which is part of the Quebec Pork Development Centre (CDPQ). Welcomed by Laetitia Cloutier, Project Manager at the CDPQ, they had the opportunity to closely observe the applied research activities carried out in Quebec, as well as the state-of-the-art equipment that enables this public research facility to meet the needs of the entire swine sector.
This visit strengthened ties between CRIPA and CReSA, and paved the way for future collaborations in animal health, including the use of artificial intelligence to promote welfare and sustainable development in animal production. Discussions focused on joint research projects and the sharing of expertise between the two institutions.
A first visit by a CRIPA delegation to Spain took place in February 2025, marking the beginning of this promising collaboration. A second visit by CRIPA to CReSA is already planned for 2026 – to be continued!
Thanks to our financial partners
CRIPA would like to warmly thank its financial partners, the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie (MRIF), the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), and EVAH Corp, for their essential support in making this international activity possible.
About the CReSA
The CReSA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, is a centre of the Institute of Institut de Recerca i Technologies Agroalimentàries (IRTA), belonging to the Government of Catalonia and dependent on the Departament d’Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca i Alimentació. Its objectives are to promote research and technological development in the agri-food field, facilitate the transfer of scientific advances and evaluate technological advances themselves, seeking the closest coordination and collaboration between the public and private sectors. For more information, visit https://www.irta.cat/en/centre/irta-cresa/.
About EVAH Corp
EVAH Corp is a proudly Canadian biotechnology company located in Quebec focused on developing technologies in the field of animal health. Its mission is to find better ways to feed the world, meet the needs of consumers who desire antibiotic-free proteins and improve the sustainability of food by encouraging innovation. For more information, visit https://www.evahcorp.ca/fr/
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. 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-Guerra
Communication Officer
Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA)
450 773 8521, extension 8233 | gabriela.silva-guerra@umontreal.ca
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