The 1st workshop within the "Baltic & Black Sea Avian Disease Network" project

From June 2-7, 2025, a workshop was held at Linnaeus University in Kalmar, Sweden, within the framework of the „Baltic & Black Sea Avian Disease Network" project. It brought together participants from Sweden (Linnaeus University, Ottenby Observatory, BirdLife Sweden), Republic of Moldova (Moldova State University), Ukraine (National Scientific Center Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine), and Georgia (Ilia State University). Moldova State University was represented by the researchers of the Institute of Zoology, Laboratory of Terrestrial Vertebrates and namely Dr.Hab., Assoc. Prof. Victoria Nistreanu, PhD Victor Sîtnic PhD and PhD Vladislav Caldari.

The project is funded by the Swedish Institute (SI) Baltic Sea Neighbourhood Programme and aims to accumulate knowledge and practical skills in ornithology, microbiology, zoonotic ecology, and epidemiology. Its main goal is to form a collaborative network in the Baltic Sea - Black Sea region under the One Health paradigm. 

A core issue to be addressed is the monitoring of avian influenza, a devastating disease for birds with direct consequences for humans. It not only infects domestic birds, but also spreads among wild bird populations, causing high mortality in susceptible colony-breeding species like gulls and terns. The disease has zoonotic potential, meaning the infection can also be transmitted to mammals. Other examples include West Nile and Usutu viruses, spread by mosquitoes (affecting birds, horses, humans), and bacteria like Salmonella. Tick-borne infections are also on the rise, facilitated by climate change and bird migration. 

To address these challenges, better pathogen surveillance and an interdisciplinary approach to these issues are necessary. The Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions share numerous challenges related to avian diseases, making collaborative initiatives a promising avenue for accumulating knowledge and mutual assistance.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Victor Sîtnic, PhD
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Vladislav Caldari, PhD