Registration Deadline: June 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CET
Free Registration: Participation in the conference is free of charge, but registration is mandatory. Onsite attendance will be limited to the first 60 registered participants.
Food safety and prevention of diseases in livestock is an integral part of food security and a significant public health issue and is central to achieving at least seven Sustainable Development Goals 2030 of the United Nations. Africa is the world’s worst region for food safety, accounting for 30% of global deaths associated with foodborne illnesses. The cost of unsafe food on low- and middle-income countries economies is equivalent of USD 110 billion. We organised a One Health Europa-Africa Summit on Veterinary Public Health & Food Safety (VPH&FS) at the University of Bologna to foster collaborations among young and experienced European and African researchers through a series of workshops to contribute to the strategic objectives of the Food Safety Strategy of Africa (2022-2036).
Please find here detailed information about the workshops and links to attend online.
Free Registration: Participation in the workshops is free of charge. Registration may be required for certain sessions.
List of free online workshops in chronological order (save the dates):
Time and place: Universidad Complutense Madrid and on MS TEAMS link avaliable soon.
Workshop leads: Clovice Kankya, University of Makerere, Uganda and Antonio Rodriguez-Bertos, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Spain
Abstract: To Be Confirmed
Time and place: 9.00 - 11.00 CET on MS TEAMS clink on MS TEAMS link.
Workshop lead: Lian Thomas, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Abstract: This seminar explores the fundamental characteristics of zoonotic diseases, the drivers of emergence and the factors contributing to the neglect of endemic zoonoses in the context of sub-Saharan Africa. We will consider the impacts of zoonoses across human, animal and ecosystem health and their broader implications for sustainable development. Using a One Health lens, we will examine barriers to effective zoonotic disease control and discuss pathways to operationalizing One Health approaches for sustainable disease control and improved global health security.
Time and place: 10.00 – 13.00 CET on WEBEX Link
Workshop leads: Marcus Doherr, Nina Langkabel, and Diana Meemken, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
Abstract: Monitoring and surveillance system (MOSS) approaches form the backbone of infectious agent or disease detection in defined target populations, products or the environment. In the first part of this workshop, definitions as well as general principles of MOSS including objectives and sampling approaches will be introduced.
Risk-based meat safety assurance systems (RB-MSAS) is the new keyword in the European concept that describes all measures along the food (meat) chain from farm to slaughterhouse to ensure safe food. Within this framework, MOSS for foodborne hazards and diseases are relevant components for the collection of information on the occurrence of certain hazards.
After introducing the MOSS principles, the key components of RB-MSAS and the specific application of MOSS in the broiler production chain will be presented. Within interactive small group sessions, MOSS approaches for selected foodborne diseases in the participants countries will be identified and discussed.
Time and place: 9.30 - 12.30 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on MS TEAMS link
Workshop lead: Clovice Kankya, University of Makerere, Uganda
Abstract: Informality is widespread, with more than 60% of the global workforce engaged in informal markets and the employment sector. The phenomenon is particularly pronounced in emerging and developing economies of the world, such as those in Africa, where 93% of informal workers and markets are located. Innovative control strategies in Informal markets are important due to their operation outside the formal legal and regulatory frameworks. It is often characterized by unregistered businesses, lack of formal contracts, and transactions that might not be tracked by official institutions and systems and largely involve large populations. In this discussion, we will explore the role of the informal sector in food safety and veterinary public Health. In addition, highlight the opportunities and challenges of the informal sector to food systems and propose recommendations and the way forward for the innovations for transition from informal to formal.
Time and place: 14.00 - 17.00 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on this MS TEAMS link
Workshop lead: Giampiero Pagliuca, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Italy
Abstract: This seminar will delve into the critical issue of chemical food safety in a rapidly changing world. Globally, the increasing production and use of chemicals across various sectors, combined with environmental contamination, pose significant risks to human health through the food supply chain. These challenges are further intensified by climate change, which can alter the occurrence and levels of chemical hazards such as mycotoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and harmful algal blooms in food. The globalization of food systems exacerbates these risks, necessitating robust international food safety standards and cooperation.
The seminar will examine specific cases of foodborne illnesses in Africa resulting from chemical contamination, highlighting their significant impacts on human health.
Time and place: 9.30 - 12.30 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on this MS TEAMS link
Workshop lead: Marco De Nardi, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Italy
Abstract: The interaction between wildlife animals, livestock, and humans can influence the epidemiological patterns of emerging zoonotic diseases. Understanding this dynamic becomes particularly important in the face of environmental and climate changes and evolving societal and economic dynamics.
In this workshop participants will explore how these interactions shape biodiversity, animal health, and livelihoods in different contexts.
Through expert presentations of reals case studies, we will examine key challenges at the interface such as potential zoonotic disease transmission, land-use conflicts, and sustainable coexistence strategies. Examples will include interaction patterns between migratory wild birds and poultry farms, lack of biosecurity at the livestock-wild-ruminants interface, interaction between wolves and livestock among others.
In the second part of the workshop, participants, trough small group sessions and plenary will engage in interactive discussions to identify lessons that the EU and Africa can learn from each other, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing these global issues.
Time and place: 14.00 - 17.00 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on this MS TEAMS link
Workshop lead: Alessandra De Cesare, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Italy
Abstract: The preparation of proposals for European and International grants requires a thorough understanding of the framework in which the calls are formulated and the knowledge of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the expected results and outcomes. During the workshop, participants will work on a call text and will be guided through drafting the key sections of a proposal. Specifically, they will identify the needs addressed by the proposed activities, the expected results, the target groups for those results, and the anticipated outcomes and impacts. Participants will work in groups to collaboratively develop their proposals, ensuring a hands-on and interactive learning experience.
Time and place: 9.30 – 12.30 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on this MS TEAMS link
Workshop leads: Prof Elina Sade and Dr Johanna Jaakkola, University of Helsinki, Finland, and Dr Paula Santos Portuguese competent authority of border control post, Portugal
Abstract: This workshop explores how food safety legislation, risk-based control systems, and border requirements affect trade between African and EU countries. Participants will gain insights into EU food safety principles, including the process by which non-EU countries can become approved exporters, as well as common border control challenges. Dr Paula Santos and Dr Johanna Jaakkola will open the workshop with introductory presentations offering EU-level perspectives. These will be followed by group discussions focusing on key policy challenges, capacity-building needs, and context-sensitive strategies. The workshop also aims to explore pathways for strengthening regional cooperation and to foster mutual learning between African and EU participants by acknowledging diverse local realities and promoting dialogue that integrates different practical approaches, cultures, priorities, and capacities.
Time and place: 16.00 - 17.30 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on ZOOM click on the link https://ucd-ie.zoom.us/j/65391412766?pwd=iv4Fg0Gciy8o85RQuagIXCLgbXm4Gb.1
(Meeting ID: 653 9141 2766; Passcode: 752338)
Workshop lead: Ana Pereira do Vale, University College Dublin, Ireland and Ruth Nsibirano University of Makerere, Uganda
Abstract: Well as the binary expressed in terms of variations between males and females is evident in humanities, social science disciplines, it is not always obvious in science disciplines. As we seek to deliver on the development goals # 5, we should seek to and deliberately design strategies to ensure that gender issues are taken into consideration in planning and implementing STEM programmes and research agenda as well as in formulating specific projects. Constructing research agendas is as important as the practices and policies made at the different stages. These shape opportunities available at the implementation stage and who access or benefits. Thus, integration of a gender perspective into the preparation, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of research, curriculum, practice and policies with a view to promoting equality between women, men and any other gender identities, and combating discrimination should be part of STEM.
Time and place: 9.30 - 12.30 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and online
Book your place at: https://forms.gle/KYPaDLNLx6qUQwjg6
Workshop Leads: Sarah Baillie, University of Bristol, United Kingdom and Sue Rackard, University College Dublin, Ireland
Abstract: In the workshop participants will practice designing research studies to gather stakeholder viewpoints, explore new or poorly understood topics, and evaluate educational interventions and training activities. The workshop will also cover ways to effectively communicate and disseminate research findings to optimise outputs, impact and encourage ongoing stakeholder engagement. Participants will identify the most appropriate data collection tools to investigate their research questions and/or hypotheses. Examples of veterinary studies that have used surveys, interviews and focus groups will be presented. Participants will then work in small groups to design a study that utilises one or more of the data collection tools. Participants will discuss what questions to ask their stakeholder group(s), how to recruit participants, ethical considerations, ways to analyse the data (quantitative and qualitative), study limitations, and how to overcome potential challenges.
Time and place: 14.00 - 16.00 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on this MS TEAMS link
Workshop Lead: Adrian Muwonge, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Abstract: The current implementation of One Health (OH) primarily emphasizes multi-sectoral collaboration but often misses opportunities to integrate contextual and pathogen-related data into a unified resource. This lack of integration limits effective, data-driven decision-making in OH initiatives. In this talk, I will explore existing data-sharing strategies, highlighting gaps and barriers to integration. I will also discuss how our recently published Digital One Health (DOH) framework can address these challenges by consolidating data-sharing principles within five key pillars for the OH community of practice:
(a) Harmonization of standards to establish trust,
(b) Automation of data capture to enhance quality and efficiency,
(c) Integration at the point of capture to reduce bureaucracy,
(d) Onboard data analysis to demonstrate utility, and
(e) Archiving and governance to safeguard OH data resources.
I will present our pilot implementation of this framework in Uganda, funded by the Royal Society, and examine the opportunities and challenges of leveraging technology to create data as a shared resource in an LMIC setting. Additionally, I will share key achievements, illustrating how this approach is supporting public health decision-making.
Time and place: 16.00 - 17.30 CET at DIMEVET Meeting Room SPASA and on this MS TEAMS link
Workshop Lead: Antonio Rodriguez-Bertos, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Spain
Abstract: The participants of this workshop will identify the most important lesions of the different apparatus and organs of the main diseases with importance in the livestock, swine and bovine sector with great economic repercussion. In addition, they will identify the alterations of zoonotic processes. Risk Assessment is the determination of the adverse effects on the health of consumers that may occur because of exposure to food-borne hazards. It is one of the three components of risk analysis on which food safety policies should be based:
By means of examples we will try to see how food risk assessment and management can be applied to slaughterhouse inspection based on the risk of contamination and transmission of disease through meat.