A Video to Understand the Most Dangerous Infectious Threats

The Horizon Europe WiLiMan-ID project featuring IZS-TE as a key player addresses some of the most critical infectious diseases deemed high priorities.

In a world still reeling from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the reality that infectious diseases lie at the crossroads of human and animal worlds becomes increasingly clear. This crucial intersection is highlighted in the Horizon Europe WiLiMan-ID project, funded by the European Union. The project, featuring the Istituto Zooprofilattico dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZS-TE) as a key player, addresses some of the most critical infectious diseases deemed high priorities by the European Union: Avian Flu, African Swine Fever, West Nile Fever, African Horse Sickness, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

An educational video was created as part of this initiative to highlight the severity of these diseases and the importance of prevention and control strategies. This multimedia tool aims to raise awareness about how science is tackling these unseen threats, showcasing the dedication of researchers in safeguarding our health.

The video, titled " Battling Europe’s Most Dangerous Infectious Diseases ," can be found on YouTube and on the WiLiMan-ID project’s website. It serves as a valuable resource for those looking to further understand these five infectious diseases and the efforts to counteract them. With clear visuals and straightforward information, the video underscores the significance of scientific research and technological innovation in preventing epidemics.

Overall, the WiLiMan-ID project involves 14 scientific institutions working together to develop an early warning system by studying microorganisms and their spread, supported by genetic analysis and the creation of computer models. The objective is to avert outbreaks and protect both livestock and human health, thus also reducing the significant economic losses these diseases can inflict on agricultural systems.

IZS-TE’s involvement in this project reaffirms its commitment to cutting-edge scientific research and global health protection, strengthening its standing as a key Institute for the new "One Health" vision.