Authored by: Samantha West The COVID-19 pandemic threw the intersection of animal and human diseases into the spotlight. Now, a specialized conference this week sharpens the focus on that topic. The annual Wildlife Disease Conference takes place July 29-Aug. 4 at The Classic Center in Athens. It will bring more than 100 experts from around the world to talk about how wild animal health and disease relate to their biology, conservation and interactions with humans and domestic animals. The overall goal of the conference is to plan a cutting-edge, impactful science program that’s delivered in engaging and innovative ways, said Sonia Hernandez, a professor of wildlife disease at the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Held in locations around the world, this is the first time since 1999 the conference has taken place in Georgia. “The main purpose of our conference is to foster the exchange of the latest science in wildlife health research and management,” said Hernandez, who is chair of the local hosting committee and is vice president of the Wildlife Disease Association, which sponsors the conference “We have almost 500 registered attendees representing more than 32 countries.” Keynote speakers include Nadine Lamberski, chief conservation and wildlife health officer at the San Diego Zoo; Sara Parker Pauley, the director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; and Raina Plowright, the Rudolf J. and Katharine L. Steffen Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. The event also includes noteworthy local experts David Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study on the UGA campus, and conservation biologist and Warnell associate professor Elizabeth Pienaar. Topics tackles throughout the week include diseases affecting the white-tailed deer population, health issues affecting urban wildlife, the spread of influenza and links between human and wildlife health. In addition to the traditional keynote and breakout sessions, attendees can take part in workshops on the UGA campus prior to the start, and experience more of Georgia through evening events and day field trips. The conference is also an opportunity for students to display their research through presentations and poster displays, added Hernandez. A fundraising auction next week raises money to offset conference costs for students. “We will have over 50 students from UGA that are serving as volunteers in a variety of committees,” said Hernandez. “We dedicate an entire day to student presentations, during which we hold both an oral and a poster competition.” Read More: Wildlife Disease Association
