To trap the birds, the work in the field starts from early morning by putting a dozen fine nets. In the evening comes the turn of bats and owls.
Once caught, samples of blood, fluid and ectoparasites – if they carry them – are taken.
Scientists identify the animal, measure it, record the data, and check its condition before releasing it.
The material is later analyzed in the laboratory.
“DNA is a great revelation,” Arnal said.
“From the blood of the mosquito we can determine which species or animal was bitten,” he said.
Blood samples will also be taken from local residents to determine if they carry the virus from an animal.
The project also involves consultation with communities to learn about their environmental and social problems and to encourage forms of coexistence with nature.
“There has to be a knowledge dialogue with communities,” said Erika Maras Santos, a member of the Mexican Association of Conservation Medicine, who liaises with residents.
The Mérida laboratory is associated with countries in Africa, South Asia and other Latin America within the framework of an initiative called Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence.
Launched by France in 2022, it brings together 22 countries and 200 organizations.
“What we are seeing in Yucatan is an opportunity to create a prevention strategy against zoonoses that can serve as an example for the whole world,” Roche said.
