Bayer leads a unique effort to support global public health by fighting zoonotic vector-borne diseases
Today nearly half of the world’s human population is infected with at least one type of vector-borne disease. To help the veterinary profession address this growing international public threat, Bayer Animal Health is inviting veterinary professionals to join a global web conference on zoonotic vector-borne diseases on Thursday 20th March, 2014.
Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by parasites to animals and humans, and have a significant impact on public health and our global economy. As international travel makes the spread of disease potentially faster and easier, it is increasingly important for vets and public health professionals to understand vector-borne diseases.
This 3rd Annual Canine Vector-Borne Disease web conference aims to raise awareness of parasitic diseases such as those transmitted via ticks (Lyme borreliosis), fleas (bartonellosis), and sand flies (leishmaniosis). Involving an international team of experts, there will be two sessions: a targeted case study session for vets, and a roundtable session for vets, physicians, and allied and public health professionals. Online registration is now open and vets are invited to submit clinical case studies on the website to be considered for sharing with the audience.
“Vector-borne disease is a topic of critical importance for global public health,” said Professor Michael Day from the University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Sciences. “It involves both the veterinary and public health fields, and this web conference is unique because it brings both of these audiences and perspectives together.”
“With experts from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association presenting at the web conference, the 2014 conference is set to surpass the success of past years by engaging a broader audience. In 2012 and 2013, there were over 5,000 participants, from 40 different countries who joined in the live web conference symposia in real time,” said Dr. Norbert Mencke, director of Global Veterinary Services Companion Animals, Bayer HealthCare Animal Health.
Broadcasting in English, live from Barcelona, the web conference meetings will be simultaneously translated into Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Russian languages to accommodate a global audience. For the 2014 web conference, social media will play a vital role in raising awareness of CVBD, with a live Twitter feed and supporting conference hashtags.
“Veterinary students from around the world will definitely enjoy attending the CVBD Web Conference, because the information is timely, high quality, and easily accessible for these young professionals via the web conference format,” said Pim Polak, president of the International Veterinary Students Association.
The CVBD network involves thousands of veterinarians globally. In 2014, by combining a public health focus with the veterinary topic, there will be a broader impact from the CVBD web conference to exchange knowledge and findings about the ectoparasite-pathogen-host interaction as well as characterisation and assessment of pathogen and vector distribution.
All interested veterinarians, physicians, allied and public health professionals are invited to register at www.cvbdwebconference.com.
