The outbreak of African swine fever is of major concern
Since the deadly and contagious disease African swine fever outbreak was discovered in Swedish boar a few weeks ago, many questions have been raised, such as e.g. the impact on Swedish pig production, forestry management and “allemansrätten”. This is the first occurrence in the country, but Swedish researchers have gained knowledge and experience, among other things, by research conducted at SLU – read more about some of this research below.
First, we would like to highlight a couple of activities...
For the second year in a row, the Future Platforms offered a group of researchers to join our Researcher residency, with the aim to strengthen inter- and transdisciplinary research at SLU.
Climate Conversations at SLU – this autumn we continue the series with an internal dialogue on climate and animal food production. Feel most welcome to participate!
We also provide you with an interview with Krista and Sanne who recently defended their thesis, as well as tips on more upcoming events related to One Health.
Pleasant reading!
Photo: Jonas Malmsten, SLU
Interdisciplinarity on the agenda at the Future Platforms research residency!
One of the Future Platforms key missions is to advance interdisciplinary approaches and methods within SLU by initiating and enabling collaboration across scientific boundaries.
As part of this work, a research residency was organised for the second year in a row, with the aim of supporting inter- and transdisciplinary skills development and offering a match-making opportunity.
My research focused on evaluating possible control measures against LA-MRSA in Swedish pig herds using computational disease spread models. LA-MRSA are a group of bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics and in some countries, they are commonly found in pig herds. LA-MRSA can be transmitted from pigs to humans and between humans.
My research was about removing PFAS from contaminated water. PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that have become very widespread in the environment, which is worrying because they hardly break down naturally and some PFAS are toxic. Human health can be protected most effectively by treating PFAS-contaminated water, for example, industrial effluents, before it reaches the environment.
SLU research has contributed to current knowledge on African swine fever
African swine fever (ASF) is a viral disease affecting wild and domestic pigs. Affected animals become feverish and die within a week. The virus is present in blood, body tissues and organs and can easily be transmitted directly to other pigs but long-distance spread is linked to the virus persisting in pork products. The discovery of the virus in wild boar outside Fagersta has triggered control and eradication measures that are stipulated in EU legislation and adapted to the local situation based on expert knowledge gained internationally. Some of this knowledge stems from research conducted in SLU, here are a few examples:
Climate-impact of animal food production – what do we know and what are the knowledge gaps?
Climate Conversations at SLU – the dialogue continues!
Don't miss the opportunity to join the discussion and contribute your knowledge on food production linked to climate change and its challenges.
Next time, on 16 October from 10 to 11:30, we invite researchers at SLU to join our webinar: Climate-impact of animal food production – what do we know and what are the knowledge gaps?
If you missed our previous webinars you'll find a summary of all the events below, with take-home messages and some recordings.
News about the SDG progress report:With only seven years to go to 2030, the midpoint evaluation of SDG progress reveals significant challenges. The report underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts to ensure the Sustainable Development Goals stay on course.
Many areas are closely linked to One Health work – such as SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 14 (life below water and SDG 15 (life on land).
Our aim with The One Health Breakfast Club is to stimulate interdisciplinary and cross-faculty collaborations. We meet and greet on a regular basis, to hopefully gain some new insights and inspiration while having breakfast together.
Join us next time when Andrea Doeschl-Wilson, visiting Professor at the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, gives an inspirational talk about "Healthy animals for sustainable livestock production".
