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- ESDA 2018 Congress will see over 150 thought leaders and scientists gather in Belgrade to discuss developments in knowledge of Dirofilaria and Angiostrongylus vasorum in companion animals
- Call for registration: veterinary practitioners, academics and scientists are welcome to attend the Congress. Registration opens from the 15th of June: https://www.esda.vet/esda-belgrade-2018/
The congress brings together leading experts from around the world to examine research and scientific progress on the topic of Angiostrongylus and Dirofilaria in Europe, harmonise best practice procedures for diagnosis, prevention and treatment, and discuss how best to educate veterinary practitioners on the parasitic threat and how to effectively prevent it. New research, prevalence data and geographical spread information will also be presented over a series of seminars by world-renowned experts, clinical workshops and lab sessions throughout the Congress.
In addition, Bayer will be hosting a scientific symposium on the topic of Angiostrongylus vasorum in companion animals, opened by a keynote from Professor Eric Morgan, researcher in veterinary parasitology and ecology at the Queens University Belfast.
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a serious growing parasitological threat across Europe. The parasite is present in regions of Denmark in the north, France in the west, Greece in the south, Hungary to the east, and many other countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Turkey. Infection has been widely recognised in the UK and Ireland, with evidence of increasing spread from a study conducted by the University of Bristol which examined the UK fox population.1 50 per cent of foxes in the South East were found to be infected with the lungworm parasite - more than double the figure published in a study of the same design in 2008. In fact in all regions prevalence more than doubled2 and notably in the north of England & Scotland, prevalence in the more recent study was found to be 7.4%, despite none being found in this region in the earlier study. Outside of Europe endemic foci are present in Brazil and Canada, and infection has been demonstrated in Uganda, Colombia and in imported dogs in Australia. Animals affected by Angiostrongylosis may become severely ill and infection can prove fatal in some cases. However, if the infection is promptly cleared, an animal can recover with limited ongoing adverse consequences.
Dr Roland Schaper, Global Veterinary Scientific Affairs Manager at Bayer said: “The ESDA congress will help bring together scientific minds and encourage knowledge sharing on A. vasorum and Dirofilariosis. It also plays an important role in educating veterinary professionals on the growing threat of A. vasorum throughout Europe and guides pet owners on the risks of parasites and how to identify signs and effectively prevent.”
The 5th Bayer Angiostrongylus Forum will take place on the morning of Saturday 7th July. For further information and to download a registration form visit: https://www.esda.vet/esda-belgrade-2018/
References:
1. Taylor et al. Increased prevalence and geographic spread of the cardiopulmonary nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum in fox populations in Great Britain. Parasitology (2015), 142 (9): 1190-5
2. Over 8 year period: 5 regions, South-East, East, South, Midlands, North (including Scotland)