APOPO Project
A new and innovative research project of its kind was initiated in collaboration with the University of Antwerp and APOPO (a Non Governmental Organization based in Belgium). This project involves studies on the use of the Giant rats, Cricetomys gambianus, as bio-sensors of land mines. The research activities also involve studies of the ecology, breeding patterns and behaviour of the rats in the wild and in captivity.
Demining operations in Mozambique
Continued progress has been achieved in mine detection and demining The APOPO Mine Action Programme has successfully introduced and deployed a fully integrated tri-part system for the clearance of Suspected Hazardous Areas. It involves the use of Mine Detection Rats (MDRs), Manual Deminers and Mechanical Bush Cutter Support. The tri-part system is now contributing, at current full capacity, to the National Demining Programme, in accordance with the National Demining Institute (IND) and the Government of Mozambique.
Tuberculosis detection
Tanzania, as well as most other sub-Saharan African countries, faces an increasing tuberculosis (TB) problem. The diagnosis of TB primarily depends on sputum smear microscopy, which is slow and not always accurate. The successful fight against TB depends on the capacity of a faster, earlier andmore accurate case finding. APOPO reports a breakthrough in the development of this novel technology utilizing the African giant rats as a sensor of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in the sputum of suspected persons.
A rat analyzes 40 samples in 7minutes, while a skilled technician needs a day to analyse the 40 samples microscopically. Three sputum samples per patient are analyzed within one session by three rats (twice). Rats indicate positive samples by fixing their nose in a sniffer hole for 5 seconds.
Remote Explosive Scent Training (REST)
APOPO, in co-operation with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Swedish Rescue Service Agency (SRSA) is furthering the research on Remote Explosive Scent Training. REST is a highly potential technology for area reduction of suspected mined roads. The system is based on collecting surface dust samples to be evaluated by the Rats on their explosive content, which, if positive, will mark the correlating segment of the road as highly suspected. Due to the vast mileage of mine suspected roads and the limited resources, REST could, in combination with survey and other information provide a key element for effective risk reduction and land release.
Closely related to REST, APOPO is also part of the research group of the ‘Odour Signature Project’. It aims at determining the chemical compounds and odour bouquet released by landmines for animal detection. This should result in soil spiking methods, which can mimic the odours released by landmines and give operational advantages for maintenance training, accreditation testing and quality control. The research is carried out in a combined effort using controlled training experiments with Rats (APOPO), Dogs (SRSA) and analytical chemistry in APOPO’s lab (APOPO/GICHD).
‘Camerats’
APOPO furthered the idea of using rats back-packed with a miniature camera and wireless transmitter to be used in rescue operations during man-made or natural disasters. Their small size will allow them to penetrate places dogs cannot reach, in the search for victims. A newly developed communication device, by Wollongong University, Australia, will enable the operator to direct the rat using sound signals. A prototype of the electronic package has been devised. This will be tested after developing the scientific protocol. .