RapportFondation 2025 V02 EN light - Flipbook - Page 61
2024 REPORT
BELGIUM
Sneezing FOR SCIENCE
AMOUNT COMMITTED TO DATE: WE CONTRIBUTE
THROUGH TIME-INVESTMENT OF OUR TEAMS.
2023 > PRESENT
Pairi Daiza is taking part in a groundbreaking European
research project to better protect the health of marine mammals. Coordinated by Vienna Zoo, the aim of the project
is to detect, in a gentle, stress-free way, respiratory mite
infestations in seals.
These tiny parasites, which are invisible to the naked eye,
can lodge in the respiratory tract and sometimes cause
serious diseases. Until now, little has been known about
them, so early detection is rarely possible. The aim of this
study is therefore fundamental: to develop a non-invasive
diagnostic method respectful of animal welfare.
At Pairi Daiza, our contribution focuses on two iconic species: walruses and Steller sea lions. As a result of close
collaboration between our keepers, veterinarians and the
researcher, the animals were trained to sneeze on command
into small sterile boxes. This simple action produced a wealth
of information for the scientists. The mucus collected was
analysed for traces of the mites.
By participating in this project, Pairi Daiza is helping to
improve our understanding of the pathogens that affect
marine mammals, while contributing to the development
of innovative diagnostic tools that are both effective and
respectful of animal welfare.
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