IRTA-CReSA recently welcomed Dr. Yoshihiro Sakoda, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Hokkaido University (Japan) and one of the world’s leading experts in veterinary virology, particularly in the fields of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and avian influenza.

Dr. Sakoda was received by IRTA-CReSA researcher Lliliane Ganges, head of the Classical Swine Fever research line, who guided him through the centre’s scientific facilities. Together with Sergio López, Deputy Head of the Animal Health Programme, she presented the centre’s capabilities in biocontainment and high-containment research, as well as several strategic research lines currently being developed at IRTA-CReSA.

The visit also included a series of scientific meetings focused primarily on Classical Swine Fever and pestiviruses, involving members of the WOAH Reference Laboratory for Classical Swine Fever team, led by Lliliane Ganges.

Dr. Sakoda has played a key role in the research and control of CSF in Japan, particularly following the re-emergence of the disease in the country in 2018. His scientific career includes major contributions to epidemiology, viral evolution, vaccines, and disease control strategies, as well as extensive international engagement in animal health and transboundary animal diseases.

This visit, which further strengthens IRTA-CReSA’s international ties with leading institutions in animal health worldwide, also provided an opportunity to exchange scientific knowledge and experiences on CSF control under different epidemiological scenarios. In addition, it enabled the exploration of future avenues for scientific collaboration between Japan and the WOAH Reference Laboratory at IRTA-CReSA, focusing on improving knowledge of the disease under endemic conditions and on developing more effective strategies for its prevention and control.