Two CRIPA Experts Visit IRTA-CReSA: Towards New Collaborations

Saint-Hyacinthe, March 31, 2025 – On February 27 and 28, Dr. Jamie Ahloy-Dallaire from Université Laval and Dr. Pablo Valdes Donoso from Université de Montréal, both researchers at the Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA), traveled to Spain to Catalonia to visit the IRTA-CReSA (Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal of the Institut de Recerca i Technologies Agroalimentàries – IRTA).

During their stay, both experts participated in a seminar at the Facultat de Veterinària of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, where they presented their respective research projects:

• Dr. Jamie Ahloy-Dallaire: Building a rugged pig: determinants of robustness with respect to animal welfare

• Dr. Pablo Valdes Donoso: AI-AgroHealth platform (PIAAS) and the use of Artificial Intelligence at the service of animal health

They also had the opportunity to meet research staff and PhD students, with the aim of learning more about their projects and fostering the exchange of ideas. In addition, the researchers visited a smart pig farm in Torroella de Montgrí, as well as the IRTA-CReSA facilities, strengthening the ties between both institutions and opening the door to future collaborations.

(From left to right: Jamie Ahloy-Dallaire [Associate Professor, Université Laval], Beatriz Garcia Morante [Researcher, IRTA-CReSA], Pablo Valdes Donoso [Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal], Natàlia Majó Masferrer [Director, IRTA-CReSA], Carles Vilalta Sans [Epidemiologist, IRTA-CReSA]).

Promising Exchanges for the Future

The visit was warmly welcomed by the IRTA-CReSA team, who emphasized the importance of this kind of meeting for advancing research in animal health:

 "On behalf of the entire IRTA-CReSA team, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your visit. It was a pleasure to exchange insights on our shared research interests. Your experience and perspective were incredibly valuable, and we look forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration in the future."

- Natàlia Majó Masferrer, Director of IRTA-CReSA

"I sincerely hope this visit marks the beginning of a closer collaboration between our teams."

- Beatriz Garcia Morante, Researcher at IRTA-CReSA

CRIPA researchers also highlighted the impact of this visit on developing new opportunities:

"I was very impressed by the work being done at IRTA-CReSA, and I see many possibilities for collaboration. A student exchange between our institutions could be an excellent first step."

- Pablo Valdes Donoso, Assistant Professor at Université de Montréal

"It was a great opportunity to meet the IRTA-CReSA team, including the students, and to learn about their projects. I look forward to discussing future collaborations and sharing them with my colleagues at Université Laval and CRIPA."

- Jamie Ahloy-Dallaire, Associate Professor at Université Laval

This visit demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in animal health and illustrates the commitment of CRIPA and IRTA-CReSA researchers to working together to advance research in this field.

Acknowledgments to Financial Partners

This initiative was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Ministère des relations internationales et de la francophonie (MRIF), the Fonds de recherche du Québec, and the enterprise EVAH Corp. CRIPA extends its gratitude to these partners for their commitment.

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. 

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/ 

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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