We cordially invite you to the dissertation thesis defence of Jignesh Italiya with the title “SARS-CoV-2 in zoo-kept and wild-living animals” (Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Tropical Agrobiology and Bioresource Management). Thesis defence will take place on 20th September 2024, 10 AM, meeting room 313 FTZ.
The COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in January 2020. This study explores the complex dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and animals (zooanthroponosis) and highlights the challenges of wildlife disease detection. It encompasses three key studies: the first documented SARS-CoV-2 detection in a white rhinoceros in Senegal's Bandia Reserve, serological screening in various species at Wilhelma Zoo in Germany, and the development of a multi-species ELISA assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in zoo animals. These findings underscore the need for extensive wildlife surveillance to understand the virus's host range and mitigate future zoonotic risks.