The Galápagos Genetics
Epidemiology and Pathology laboratory is
dedicated to conducting research, surveillance and monitoring of disease
threats to endemic Galápagos species. The laboratory is equipped and staffed
to carry out the modern pathology and molecular research required to respond
rapidly to wildlife diseases and inform conservation policy for the
Galápagos National Park.
News:
Disease threats to
island biodiversity workshop: GGEPL is organising a workshop to be held
in Galapagos July/August 2006, to assess current knowledge about disease
threats to Galapagos fauna, lessons to be drawn from other archipelagos, and
their implications for disease management in Galapagos. More details and an
outline programme to be posted shortly.
West Nile Virus
Control Measures: Following ratification of new legislation by the
Ecuadorian government in May 2005, requiring disinsection treatment of all
transport to Galapagos, a meeting of stakeholders will be held October
3rd 2005 in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, to discuss implementation of the
required control measures.
West Nile Virus activity detected in Columbia:A paper by
Mattar et al. published September 2005 in the journal Emerging
Infectious Diseases details the first evidence for West Nile Virus activity
on the South American continent.
GGEPL is a partnership
between Galápagos National Park; the School of Biology, University of Leeds
UK, the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London; and the
University of Guayaquil. The funding for this project is provided through
the UK government's Darwin Initiative scheme (Grant number 162-12-017).
Updated 21st September 2005 by Simon Goodman
(c) GGEPL 2005
