Senegal’s Saint-Louis aims to prevent zoonotic diseases
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In Saint-Louis, Senegal, researchers and officials involved in the Africam project presented findings on October 21 and 22 focused on early detection of zoonotic diseases, diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
The project emphasized monitoring pathogens circulating among wildlife, domestic animals, and the environment to prevent epidemics before they start. Dr.
Mouhamed Moustapha Sarr, regional director of Livestock and Animal Production, explained the project expanded investigations by collecting samples from wild animals like primates and rodents, as well as domestic livestock, to identify potential health risks. The work builds on lessons learned from a 2025 outbreak of Rift Valley fever that significantly impacted the Saint-Louis region. Analyses conducted on rodents during the project did not detect the virus, but helped explore risks associated with other diseases such as Lassa fever.
Project coordinators also stressed the importance of collaboration between researchers, technical services, and local communities. Jean-Hugues Caffin, the project coordinator for Africam in Senegal, stated the goal was to empower regional actors to identify emerging epidemic threats by combining scientific expertise with community knowledge. Participants now aim to sustain the project’s momentum by sharing information and making the collected data available to all involved, so the “One Health” approach can become a lasting tool for prevention.
