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BopCo.be

@bopco-be.bsky.social
40 followers 18 following 198 posts

BopCo provides on-demand species identification of organisms of policy concern, using morphology and DNA-based methods. BopCo is jointly run by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Royal Museum for Central Africa.

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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The event took place 25–26 September — keep an eye out for the next one! 🤝 Partners: @kuleuvenuniversity.bsky.social, RMCA, the Food Bridge vzw, Meise Botanic Garden, @scivil.bsky.social 🇪🇺 Funded by the EU, part of European Researchers' Night
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We wrapped up with a live DNA extraction demo using a banana and everyday kitchen products 🍌🧬 — proving science is everywhere, and accessible to everyone.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Did you spot our stand? 🧳 BopCo brought a suitcase of "forbidden" and allowed products (fruits, veggies & more) for a fun educational game for kids! We also showed how we help customs identify unknown meats & veggies via DNA — linked to the INTERCEPT project.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Food nourishes us — it gives life, energy, pleasure. But it's also full of symbolic and social meaning, connecting people across age, gender, culture & background. With a focus on African & diaspora food cultures, it explored the science of food, identity & belonging.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
🍲 Roots and Recipes was part of European Researchers' Night, Europe's largest celebration of science and research! Over two days, visitors explored food through science, culture & hands-on experiences — with African food traditions taking center stage.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
We look forward to working alongside our partners and sharing the project's progress. 🤝 The JAPORISK project is a collaboration between @sciensano.be, @RMCA, @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social & funded by @belspo.be
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
At BopCo, our expertise in population genomics will help unravel the invasion history of Ae. japonicus. Through genetic analyses, we will identify introduction pathways, assess genetic diversity, and better understand how populations spread across Belgium and neighbouring countries.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
By combining field surveillance, vector competence studies, and genomics, JAPORISK will generate knowledge on the distribution, origin, and vector potential of this emerging mosquito species, helping to strengthen preparedness against mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Usutu virus.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
We are excited to announce the official launch of the JAPORISK project dedicated to advancing our understanding of the invasive Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus) and its potential impact on public health in Belgium.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
🚀 A new project begins, focussing on the Asian bush mosquito!
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Neobiota 2026 is organised by: @inbo.be Belgian Biodiversity Platform @environment.brussels Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen (FWO) @ulbruxelles.bsky.social @universiteitgent.bsky.social Plantentuin Meise @secretariatias.bsky.social @universitedeliege.bsky.social
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🔹 Improving surveillance of Dacus frontalis through DNA barcoding and ortholog-based phylogenomics api.ltb.io/show/ACSNP 🔹 Molecular origin tracing of Bactrocera dorsalis supports pathway analysis and surveillance in Belgium api.ltb.io/show/ACSNQ
api.ltb.io
Learning Toolbox Viewer
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🔹 BopCo – Species Identification Service api.ltb.io/show/ACSEA 🔹 Hidden travellers: introduced synanthropic arachnids dispersing through European glasshouses api.ltb.io/show/ACSMG
api.ltb.io
Learning Toolbox Viewer
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🌍 BopCo is at #Neobiota2026 in Brussels (7–11 Sept)! We're presenting 4 posters on species ID, invasive arachnids, and DNA barcoding for fruit fly surveillance. Posters stay online until March 2027 — links in thread 🧵
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Have a look at our poster (nr. 42) and learn how we can support you. We are always open for new partnerships! BopCo is funded by @belspo.be, and is part of the Centre of Excellence speciesID.be, a joint initiative of @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social and AfricaMuseum.
speciesid.be
speciesID.be
speciesID.be is a consortium of research centers specialized in the identification of biological samples through advanced morphological and molecular methods
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
🧬 BopCo is at the European Conservation Genetics meeting! We are learning more about how genetic data can guide conservation in a rapidly changing world, and how these data can be translated into decisions. @consgenmeeting2026.bsky.social #ConsGenMeeting2026
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Maintaining robust vector surveillance and considering malaria in patients with compatible symptoms, even without a recent travel history, can make a big difference. 📄 doi.org/10.2807/1560... BopCo is a joint initiative of @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social and the AfricaMuseum, funded by @belspo.be
eurosurveillance.org
Two fatal autochthonous cases of airport malaria, Belgium, 2020
We report an outbreak investigation of two fatal cases of autochthonous Plasmodium falciparum malaria that occurred in Belgium in September 2020. Various hypotheses of the potential source of infectio...
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
💡 The key takeaway? You don't always have to travel to be exposed to tropical diseases. In our increasingly connected world, pathogens, and the vectors that carry them, can cross borders in unexpected ways.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Other cases of airport malaria were reported recently at Frankfurt Airport in Germany (today.rtl.lu/news/world/f...)
today.rtl.lu
An unusual case: Four Frankfurt airport workers contract malaria
Four cases of so-called "airport malaria" have been identified at Frankfurt airport.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
This work highlights the value of a "One Health" approach, bringing together clinicians, research laboratories, entomologists and public health authorities to investigate and respond to emerging health threats.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
🔬 A multidisciplinary investigation into two fatal autochthonous malaria cases reported in Belgium in 2020 combined epidemiology, genomics and entomology to identify the most likely source of infection: an imported infected Anopheles mosquito transported via air traffic.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
This phenomenon, often referred to as "suitcase malaria" (or more broadly, “airport malaria”), occurs when an infected mosquito is transported by aircraft, inside luggage, cargo, or the cabin, and later bites someone living or working near an airport.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
🦟 Do you have to travel to get malaria in Belgium? Not always! When we think of malaria in Belgium, we usually associate it with travel to tropical regions. However, in rare cases, people from temperate regions can contract malaria without ever leaving their country. 🤔 Read more 👇
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
This case highlights the potential introduction of invasive parasites through the exotic pet trade and the importance of molecular tools for parasite surveillance. 🐍🧬🔬
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Using morphological examinations, histopathology, and 18S rRNA sequencing, we confirmed the identity of R. orientalis and documented severe infection with evidence of larval migration.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
🎉 New paper out! We report the first documented co-infection of Raillietiella orientalis and Kalicephalus sp. in a wild-caught red-tailed green rat snake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum). 📄 Sapion-Miranda et al.: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... Learn more 👇
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Most importantly, they got the opportunity to ask questions, learn about scientific careers, and explore what their own future paths might look like. We hope this experience has sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for science! 🧬 Want to know more about BopCo? Have a look at www.bopco.be
bopco.be
BopCo - Species Identification Services
BopCo provides species identification services for biological samples of policy concern, using morphological techniques and advanced DNA-based methods.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
As a special highlight, they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes visit to the museum’s mammalogy collections, where they discovered how new technologies and DNA-based approaches are opening exciting possibilities for studying historical collections, including skeletal specimens, in entirely new ways.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Together with the BopCo team, they explored how DNA studies can help answer a wide range of questions, including those with important societal implications. They also had the opportunity to gain hands-on lab experience by performing a DNA extraction and running a gel electrophoresis experiment.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
🔬 Inspiring the next generation of scientists! This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming two primary school students for an immersive work-experience day to discover the fascinating world of biological research. Read more 👇
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
SpeciesID.be is proud to support the enforcement of EU environmental legislation and we look forward to continued exchanges between science & policy. Want to know more? --> speciesid.be SpeciesID.be is a joint initiative of @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social & the AfricaMuseum, funded by @belspo.be
speciesid.be
speciesID.be
speciesID.be is a consortium of research centers specialized in the identification of biological samples through advanced morphological and molecular methods
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
And because science is best experienced first-hand, we allowed our guests an exclusive visit behind the scenes: - the wood reference collection @AfricaMuseum - the wood biology lab used by ENFORCE - the biobank & molecular lab used @bopco-be.bsky.social
speciesid.be
speciesID.be
speciesID.be is a consortium of research centers specialized in the identification of biological samples through advanced morphological and molecular methods
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
The visit included presentations on 2 units of speciesID.be: - @bopco-be.bsky.social: use morphology and DNA analysis to identify species of policy concern (CITES, biosecurity & food fraud) - ENFORCE: applying forensic wood science against illegal trade, in support of the EU Deforestation Regulation
speciesid.be
speciesID.be
speciesID.be is a consortium of research centers specialized in the identification of biological samples through advanced morphological and molecular methods
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
A great day at the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren! We were delighted to welcome a delegation from DG Environment Directorate F (Green Diplomacy & Multilateralism) of the @ec.europa.eu to showcase the work of speciesID.be, Belgium's centre of excellence for species identification.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🚨 Early detection is crucial to raise awareness to allow prevention of outbreaks in poultry farms and evaluate their risk of transmission to humans. 🔬 BopCo is a joint initiative of @RBINS and @RMCA, funded by @Belspo
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🧬 If the virus is found, BopCo identifies from which bird species the samples came from — helping pinpoint high-risk carriers and guide response efforts.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🔬 In Belgium, @sciensano.be is actively involved in the European project #OH4Surveillance, which aims to innovate and scale up One Health surveillance for priority pathogens. As part of the environmental surveillance component, they collect feathers and wild bird droppings to screen for the virus.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🍂❄️ The risk peaks in autumn and winter, as migratory birds arrive with new waves of virus from regions where the virus is circulating.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🕊️ Migratory birds spread the virus across continents. While avian flu mostly affects wild birds, it can also be transmitted to poultry (chickens & turkeys) with varying impact depending on the characteristics of the strain. Spill over to mammals is an even rarer event and only after direct contact.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🦠 Monitoring bird flu (BE) Avian influenza, is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds, especially waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans. Avian flu is highly contagious among birds and can spread through: droppings, respiratory secretions or even contaminated water, soil, or feed.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
👉 To find out more about INTERCEPT: www.naturalsciences.be/en/science/r... 🤝 Federal Public Service Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment; the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain; Federal Public Service Finance: Customs and Excise; sciensano; u Antwerp, rbins; rmca
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
🤝 By combining field controls, laboratory analyses, and cross-agency collaboration, INTERCEPT contributes to a more integrated and evidence-based approach to tackling illegal wildlife trade and its associated health risks. #WildlifeTrade #OneHealth #CITES #Europol #BopCo #INTERCEPT
naturalsciences.be
INTERCEPT | Institute of Natural Sciences
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Among the wild species, the majority of samples belonged to brush-tailed porcupine and greater cane rat. Pathogen screening revealed a wide diversity of viruses detected. Though, detection does not imply infectivity — but these findings underline the importance of continued research and vigilance.
naturalsciences.be
INTERCEPT | Institute of Natural Sciences
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
More than 600 samples were analysed using DNA barcoding, revealing that approximately one quarter of the intercepted meat originated from wild species. In total, 25 wild species were identified, including 11 CITES-listed ones.
naturalsciences.be
INTERCEPT | Institute of Natural Sciences
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
On this occasion, insights from inspections at Brussels Airport were shared, conducted in collaboration with customs and the FASFC — including data on intercepted CITES-listed species ✈️🛃. 🔬 Beyond enforcement figures, INTERCEPT provided a deeper scientific perspective on this trade.
naturalsciences.be
INTERCEPT | Institute of Natural Sciences
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
🌍 Illegal wildlife trade knows no borders — and neither does collaboration. BopCo presented the results of INTERCEPT (Monitoring the trade in exotic animals, wild meat and the pathogens they carry in Belgium) at the 50th meeting of the Wildlife Trade Enforcement Group, hosted by Europol (NL).
naturalsciences.be
INTERCEPT | Institute of Natural Sciences
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
BopCo is a joint initiative of Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and Koninklijk Museum voor Midden-Afrika , funded by BELSPO - Belgian Science Policy Office
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
🌱 A great reminder that collaboration between science and industry is essential to protect biodiversity! 🤝 BopCo is always looking for new collaborations — feel free to reach out if you are interested!
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
The event also featured multiple talks by invited speakers. Their key message was clear: businesses play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by investing thoughtfully and acting at multiple levels to implement impactful and sustainable green policies.
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BopCo.be @bopco-be.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
The SpeciesID.be consortium was represented through a joint stand by BopCo and ENFORCE. 🎥 BopCo showcased a demo video illustrating how a DNA identification request is usually processed. 🔬 ENFORCE engaged visitors with a handheld microscope, demonstrating their expertise in wood identification.
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