BULLETVET Operational Group: Design of innovative systems for the application of veterinary medicines in wildlife and extensive livestock for the treatment of mange
- Type Operational group
- Status In progress
- Execution 2025 -2028
- Assigned Budget 120.000,00 €
- Scope Autonómico
- Autonomous community Aragón
- Main source of financing CAP 2023-2027
- Project website https://www.aragon.es/-/sarna-cabra-montes
The project aims to develop innovative treatments for sarcoptic mange in Iberian ibex, with a direct impact on the health and productivity of extensive sheep farming in Aragon. It is expected to reduce economic losses from trophy hunting and meat harvesting, protect the income of local councils and hunting rights holders, and preserve the ecological benefits of the species. Furthermore, the project proposes the design of bioabsorbable munitions as an ethical and efficient method for administering treatments to wildlife, with the potential to control other diseases shared between livestock and wildlife. Success would generate scientific advances, publications, patents, and applications in conservation and animal health; even in the event of negative results, it would improve the understanding of the current state of the art.
- Planning, document review and definition of requirements.
- Development of the bioabsorbable projectile.
- Selection and characterization of biodegradable materials.
- Projectile prototype design.
- Range and accuracy tests.
- Evaluation of candidate antiparasitic drugs.
- Determination of dosage and formulation.
- Controlled release system design.
- Selection of pilot areas and target populations.
- Application of the system in the field.
- Health monitoring of treated animals.
- Results analysis
The project stems from the growing need to improve the management of sarcoptic mange in Iberian ibex populations and extensive livestock farming systems in Aragon. This disease has become one of the main factors in the demographic decline of wild ungulates, especially in emblematic populations located in Natura 2000 sites and hunting reserves such as Montes Universales, Beceite, Masías de Ejulve, and La Garcipollera.
These areas are legally protected by regional and EU environmental legislation, including Decree 13/2021 of the Government of Aragon, which establishes conservation measures for Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas for Birds. Therefore, effective disease control is essential to safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and ensure the long-term viability of these protected habitats.
At the same time, extensive sheep and goat farming—closely linked to the origin and spread of mange outbreaks—plays a key socioeconomic role in rural Aragon. Improving animal health, resource efficiency, and sustainable management practices aligns with regional priorities for agricultural and forestry systems.
The involvement of key stakeholders such as the Aragonese Hunting Federation and the Regulatory Council of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Ternasco de Aragón reflects the strategic importance of integrating wildlife conservation with livestock production. The University of Zaragoza, through its School of Engineering and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, contributes essential technological and scientific expertise to the development of innovative disease control tools.
To develop and validate an innovative, non-invasive system for the remote administration of veterinary medicines to wildlife and extensive livestock, using bioabsorbable projectiles capable of releasing antiparasitic drugs effective against sarcoptic mange. The project will also identify the most suitable drug and dosage to improve the health management of the Iberian ibex and reduce transmission from domestic livestock.
- Name of entity: Aragonese Hunting Federation (FARCAZA)
- Postal address: Pl. Canal Imperial, 2, local, San José, 50007 Zaragoza
- Email: presidente@farcaza.es
- Telephone: 976730484
- Name of entity: Regulatory Council of the PGI Ternasco de Aragón (CR IGP TA)
- Postal address: Carr. de Cogullada, 50015 Zaragoza
- Email: quality@ternascodearagon.es
- Telephone: 976470813
- Federación Aragonesa de Caza (FARCAZA)
- Consejo Regulador de la IGP Ternasco de Aragón (CR IGP TA)