Toward an integrated surveillance of the potentially zoonotic Betacoronaviruses in the wild animal value chain, Cambodia - ZooCov

Wildlife trade and bushmeat consumption remain popular throughout Southeast Asia, and may increase the risk of transmission of pathogens from wildlife to humans. Coordinated by CIRAD, and conducted in two provinces of Cambodia, Mondolkiri and Stung Treng, ZooCov project will implement a multidisciplinary and multisectorial approach to assess and reduce the risk of spill over of Betacoronaviruses from wildlife to humans.

Project start date:

01/04/2020

Project end date:

31/10/2021

Objectives

The objectives of this project are:

  • To analyse the wildlife value chain in Cambodia;
  • To describe the diversity of Beta Cov circulating along these chains;
  • To identify the animal species, time and human practices that favor the transmission of these BetaCov from wildlife to humans;
  • To contribute to the development of an integrated surveillance network of the risk of spill over from wildlife to humans in Cambodia.

Location

Cambodia

Description

We will implement 4 inter-connected workpackages :

  • (i) We will analyse the wild meat value chains characteristics through direct observations and dedicated questionnaires. 
  • (ii) Then, an in-depth analysis of practices, contact rates and perception of the risk associated with wild animal handling and wild meat consumption will be performed through these chains, using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
  • (iii) Animal and exposed and non-exposed human samples will be collected. Serological assay will be used to detect antibodies against beta-CoVs in human samples, and document any undetected possible spillover of CoV from animals to humans. Predictors of exposure –practices, species, location.., will be identified using ad hoc statistical models. 
  • (iv) We will then use the results of these surveys and participatory modelling tools to co-design with all the trade stakeholders an improved and adapted version of the existing wildlife health surveillance system for Cambodia focusing on the detection of beta-CoVs.

Partners

Teams

Grease Network

Fundings

  • The French National Research Agency (ANR)
  • Occitanie Pyrenees-Mediterannee Region
  • Pasteur Foundation Asia