The ArmBioClimate project addresses biosecurity challenges arising from climate change, invasive species, and zoonotic disease risks in Armenia, a key region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The project focuses on establishing an early warning system for zoonotic parasites, pathogen virulence, and invasive species spread, using genetic biomonitoring and risk assessment tools. The golden jackal serves as a model species for studying disease spread and wildlife conservation.
From 1 to 5 December 2024 the Armenian team from the APPEAR project "Strengthening Genetic Biocontrol Capacities under Climate Change in Armenia (ArmBioClimate)" conducted a working visit to Vienna. The delegation included Prof. Marine Arakelyan (Project Coordinator), Sargis Aghayan (Team Leader, Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology), Manana Asikyan (Project Manager), and Rouzanna Gevorgyan (Researcher).
Participation in the OGTPM 53rd Annual Meeting
On December 2–3, the team attended the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Austrian Society for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology, and Migration Medicine (OGTPM). They actively contributed by presenting three abstracts and participating in 4 poster presentations:
1. A pilot PCR screening of Toxoplasma gondii in birds of Armenia
2. Detection of bacterial and protozoan pathogens in ectoparasites of bats in Armenia using high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR
3. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among livestock in northern provinces of Armenia
4. Detection of bacterial and protozoan pathogens in bats of Armenia.
Sargis Aghayan delivered an oral presentation during the conference. The event's central theme focused on parasites, their transmitted diseases, and clinical diagnostic and treatment methods. The conference provided valuable insights and opened new prospects for future collaboration.
Collaborative Meetings with Austrian Partners
On 4- 5 December the Armenian team held discussions with Austrian collaborators, including Pamela Burger (University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna), Gabor Meszaros (BOKU University), and Julia Walochnik (Medical University of Vienna - MedUni). The meetings hosted at MedUni, centered on:
• Planning a summer school for the project.
• Admitting a second PhD student to Vetmeduni under the project.
• Organizing a joint scientific conference.
APPEAR scholar Seda Adamyan is a PhD candidate at the Medical University of Vienna, specializing in the role of jackals in the diversity and distribution of zoonoses, especially Leishmania and Dirofilaria spp. in Armenia. Her research examines the ecological and environmental factors that contribute to the transmission of these vector-borne diseases. During the project meeting she presented her research progress and preliminary findings, which further enriched the discussions.
Training Activities
In addition, Rouzanna Gevorgyan received specialized training in Julia Walochnik’s laboratory starting from 20 November. This training focused on advanced laboratory techniques and the operation of new equipment, enhancing the team's methodological capabilities.
The visit was highly productive, marked by meaningful scientific exchange, collaborative planning, and skill development. The team returned with fresh ideas and strengthened partnerships, opening the way for future joint initiatives under the ArmBioClimate project.
