From September 23 to 25, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held the "Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres and Vaccines" in Rome, Italy. Wang Yize, a PhD student from the College of Wildlife and Protected Areas at Northeast Forestry University (NEFU), was invited to participate as a global youth representative. Wang delivered a keynote speech during the session "Roundtable of Young Professionals in the Animal Health Sector: Sharing Experiences and Challenges." The conference gathered over 400 participants, including government representatives, vaccine manufacturers, research institutions, and international organizations.
Wang Yize, a Ph.D. Student, Delivers Keynote Speech
Conference Presentation
At the conference, Wang Yize’s research team, composed of members from the China-Ethiopia Joint Laboratory for Wildlife Disease Research (Key Laboratory of Wildlife Epidemic Disease and Biosafety Control of Heilongjiang Province), worked in partnership with the Haixi Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center and the Forestry and Grassland Bureau of Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Supported by FAO’s 2023 Special Award for PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants) Research and a project for developing rapid diagnostic kits and conducting epidemiological monitoring in Haixi Prefecture, the team conducted pulse vaccination trials on different breeds of sheep in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Under the guidance of Professor Wang Xiaolong, the team explored various vaccination strategies under the region’s harsh conditions and limited veterinary services. During his presentation, Wang Yize discussed the team’s research results, highlighting how the high-frequency vaccination strategy significantly increased antibody positivity rates and enhanced immune response in sheep breeds that initially had weak immunity. However, due to the high cost and the high mobility of herds in pastoral areas, this strategy is unsuitable for long-term use in non-emergency situations. This study provides essential scientific evidence for disease control in high-risk areas and contributes to the global goal of eradicating PPR.
Group Photo of Faculty and Students from the China-Ethiopia Joint Laboratory for Wildlife Disease Research (Key Laboratory of Wildlife Epidemic Disease and Biosafety Control of Heilongjiang Province)
Sampling During PPR Pulse Vaccination Trials on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Team Conducting PPR Pulse Vaccination Trials on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
During his speech, Wang Yize emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration and communication among young researchers worldwide. He believes that sharing experiences can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to challenges in animal health. Dr. Wang also pointed out that the team’s research not only focuses on disease prevention but also aims to promote global ecological sustainability through international cooperation. The attendees recognized and appreciated the team’s achievements under challenging conditions and their contributions to the worldwide animal health sector.
Group Photo of Youth Representatives from Six Countries with FAO Experts (Wang Yize, Third from the Left)
This conference provided a platform for young scholars worldwide to share and exchange their ideas. The research results presented by the NEFU team were highly praised by the participants, showcasing their ability to develop disease prevention strategies in complex environments. As the only young Chinese representative, Wang Yize’s participation not only demonstrated the outstanding contributions of the NEFU team but also laid a solid foundation for future international cooperation and innovation. He remarked, "To represent young Chinese scholars on such a significant international stage is an excellent recognition of our team’s research and provides invaluable opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the field of animal health.
