Resumen de Canary Islands as a strategic crossroad for a “one health” approach to combat vector-borne animal trypanosomosis
María Teresa Tejedor Junco, Adrián Melián Henríquez, Margarita González Martín, Sergio Martín Martel, Manuel Morales Doreste, Alain Boulangé, Juan Alberto Corbera Sánchez
Animal Trypanosomoses (AT) are the main animal health constraint to the development of sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa. These diseases are caused by different Trypano- soma species, transmitted by insect vectors. They can affect domestic livestock and camels, and some wild animals can act as a reservoir. Infected animals can be a source of parasites for humans. We have launched the COMBAT Project (Controlling and progressively minimizing the burden of Animal Trypanosomosis), coordinated by CIRAD and involving scientists and veterinary officials from 13 African countries, 3 European countries and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
COMBAT is based on a “One Health” approach: considering the connection between human health, animal health and environmental conservation. Our group at ULPGC participate in most of the work packages of the Project, with the exception of the one related with socio-economic burden of AT. In addition to increasing the scientific knowledge about the parasite, its vectors and the disease, we hope to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the elimination of pov- erty (SDG1), the ending of hunger (SDG2) and the promotion of good health and well-being (SDG3). Due to our proximity to the African continent and our experience in the fi ght against animal trypanosomoses, researchers and veterinarians in the Canary Islands can serve as a bridge between Europe and Africa in order to control these diseases.
