MalariaRCN Workshop, 2014

At the end of July two members of our avian blood parasite RG took part in the Third Annual Conference and Workshop on Malaria and Related Parasites of Wildlife which was held at the National Conservation and Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

The workshop gathered 24 students from different countries around the world, all of which engaged in the field of haemosporidian parasite studies. Trough lectures and practicals we gained significant knowledge about morphological identifications of malaria and related parasites, vectors needed for their transmission and processing DNA sequences.

We were able to practice preparation of blood smears (quite important for futher identification) and see the whole process of catching birds to taking samples, storing them and staining smears.

Working hard on identification of haemosporidian parasites in blood smears

   

Presentations of our instructors were very interesting and helpful.

We need some nice food to keep us in good mood. (Strahil eating crabs for the first time)

Vectors day – setting traps and dissecting salivary glands and gut in search of sporozoites and ookinetes

All of the participants gave a 5 minute talk about his/her own study. (Paulo presenting his research)

 

The whole group is gathering after dinner. Discussions continue.

The workshop was organized in the frames of the project Malaria Research Coordination Network.