On April 22, 2026, another online event was held as part of GO-Bio initial to address new challenges, during which the spread of zoonoses and phage technologies were presented and discussed within the One Health framework.
In the first presentation, Ms Ariane Düx introduced the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH) in Greifswald and highlighted the strong collaboration between the University of Greifswald and the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, which forms part of the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health in Greifswald-Riems. A key focus of the HIOH is interdisciplinary research into the interrelationships between human, animal and environmental health.
Using the example of mpox, Ms Düx explained the challenges that zoonotic diseases pose to humans and how these challenges are addressed through wildlife monitoring. The aim is to detect zoonotic diseases at an early stage and identify risks to humans and the environment. Ms Düx demonstrated how great apes and wild primates act as a natural reservoir for Mpox. But where do the viruses come from, and how is it that not only monkeys but also humans fall ill? Ms Düx gave a compelling account of the role played by fire-footed squirrels and duikers in the chain of infection, and explained that consuming infected animals can lead to the transmission of the infection. She also provided a vivid insight into the day-to-day work and working methods of the scientists on the ground in Africa, for example when collecting biological samples such as faeces, urine and saliva from wild animals and analysing them.
The second presentation then shifted the focus to the field of bacteriophages. Dr Sophie Kittler from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover highlighted the challenge posed by multi-drug-resistant bacteria, against which no remedy or antibiotic is available. Bacteriophages offer an alternative, as they specifically target bacteria and render them harmless. She described the route of infection of bacteriophages and highlighted the opportunities and possibilities of phage therapy. However, phages are not only relevant for medical use, but also offer a solution in the food sector for the elimination of Campylobacter in poultry.