Brazilian parasitologist, Dr Filipe Dantas-Torres, has been awarded this year’s World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) One Health Award.
The global award is presented by WSAVA’s One Health Committee (OHC) to an individual or organisation which has promoted an aspect of One Health relevant to companion animals.
Dr Dantas-Torres, President of the Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites (TroCCAP), campaigns against the killing of dogs infected with Canine Leishmaniasis and educates colleagues and stakeholders across Latin America as to why that leishmaniasis should be controlled by community-wide use of repellents and vaccination rather than by the culling of affected dogs.
“I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award from the WSAVA One Health Committee. It recognizes the efforts of many people I have had the pleasure to work with. I dedicate this award to pet owners who lost their dogs during the visceral leishmaniasis control program in Brazil and other endemic countries.”
Dr Michael Lapin, Chair of the WSAVA OHC, said the work that Dr Dantas-Torres is completing epitomises the mission of the WSAVA OHC.
“He has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of dogs and their owners, and his work is impactful around the world.”
Dr Dantas-Torres is a researcher in the Department of Immunology, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife. An EBVS Veterinary Specialist in Parasitology, he also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, a PhD in Public Health, and a PhD in Animal Health and Zoonosis. In addition to his role as President of TroCCAP, he is Editor-in-Chief of Parasites and Vectors and a director of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology.
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