The following days at IRSEA were filled with hands on activities, additional seminars, and a fun and food filled evening!
On Wednesday we were introduced to how IRSEA researchers are combining semiochemistry and parasitology in several different modalities. We met with several parasitologists and researchers and how they are discovering new ways of using various pheromones to…
- Impede the Varroa mite, a parasite of the honey bee, which is contributing honey bee population decline
- Create a new pheromone based mosquito repellent for people
- And create a product to decrease tick attachment, specifically showing us work with their brown dog ticks
Besides the presentations, we were able to see their breeding facilities for both honey bee’s and mosquitoes, as well as a demonstration of how they conduct their studies on tick attachment.
The following day was all about horses!
We were welcomed to the IRSEA stables, their nearby equestrian center and training facility, where we were presented with a discussion on Heart Rate Variability and assessment of emotional disorders in horses. Similar to our previous day, more hands on action was provided, as one of IRSEA’s training horses was brought out so that a heart rate assessment could be performed while the stallion was exercised.
Although the “class” day was short, we continued our day of horses with an evening at the stables – an a array of equine events were presented including a renown dressage performance, jumping events, and presentations of the IRSEA horses. The evening was concluded with a company barbecue, music, dancing, and lots of laughter!
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