By Blake Jackson
Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) recently hosted its seventh annual international symposium on emerging plant and animal diseases, bringing together experts from across the Americas for a virtual event held on March 5.
The symposium gathered participants from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia to examine critical issues affecting agriculture, livestock and food systems.
Jessica Epple-Farmer, LU assistant professor of animal science and one of the organizers, explained that the event was built on a shared commitment among nations facing similar agricultural challenges.
“We share with our Latin American partners the importance of cultivating plants and ranching animals,” Epple-Farmer said. “It is this commonality of our shared food where this symposium begins and allows us to address global food security and defense.”
Titled Monitoring Emergent Plant and Animal Diseases for Food Security in the Americas, the symposium focused on threats impacting food production across the region. Presentations explored how pests, pathogens and environmental factors contribute to the spread of diseases in crops and livestock.
Sessions on plant health covered issues such as cowpea mosaic virus, alfalfa mosaic virus and fusarium wilt. LU plant pathologist Waana Kaluwasha described how mosaic viruses can spread through infected plant materials and insect carriers.
Meanwhile, Yasmin Chew Madinaveitia of INIFAP Laguna in Mexico highlighted the impact of fusarium wilt, a soilborne disease that damages plant roots and reduces crop yields.
The afternoon shifted toward livestock concerns. Byron Thomae, an epidemiologist with Guatemala’s Ministry of Agriculture, discussed vesicular stomatitis and its effects on cattle, horses and swine, noting its similarity to other serious diseases.
Kayla Wells from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service addressed ongoing challenges posed by cattle fever ticks.
The event also featured panel discussions examining how climate, farming practices and the movement of crops and animals influence disease spread.
Epple-Farmer emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “This symposium is supported by the Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense, with the goal of fostering international partnerships between researchers, extension agents, students and farmers to address emerging plant and animal pests and diseases.”
Through continued cooperation, LU aims to strengthen global responses to agricultural threats.
Photo Credit: lincoln-university-missouri
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