The 4th International Conference on Responsible Use of Antibiotics in Animals is scheduled for 26-28 September in the Hague, the Netherlands. This is an important and timely topic with federal regulations changing current agricultural practices.
Here is some information from the conference website:
Antibiotics are used worldwide both in veterinary and human medicine. The widespread use has heightened concerns about the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, which impacts animal welfare, public health, food safety and environmental exposure. The international conference series on Responsible Use of Antibiotics in Animals is an initiative independent from commercial companies, official organizations or authorities.
The objectives of the initiative are:
– to give an overview of the ongoing activities with respect to the issue of antibiotic use in animals and antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans
– to learn about the expectations of different parties involved
– to focus on innovative approaches to disease prevention, rapid diagnostics and alternatives to antibiotics
– to identify the areas which need further research and action with respect to the current scientific knowledge and political expectations
Key themes of the 4th International Conference on Responsible Use of Antibiotics in Animals include:
– integration of animal, human and environmental health
– approaches at global and national levels
– engagement of stakeholders
– innovations in disease prevention and detection, including gut health, alternatives to antibiotics, rapid diagnostics, etc.
– new areas to explore
The conference is designed for the animal health industry and the medical community; all users of antibiotics in animals, such as veterinarians, animal feed producers, livestock and aquaculture producers, and nutritionists; food processors and manufacturers, and retailers; policy makers and regulatory agencies; researchers in universities and research institutes; and others with an interest in resistance and in the sustainability of antibiotics, such as educators, agricultural extension staff, consultants, and consumer organizations.
Very important topic, but unfortunately, the male:female ratio is pretty bad at this conference. Of the 4 chairs, only 1 is a woman. Among the speakers, I count 14 male speakers and 1 female. That’s only 6%.
ugh – that is awful — and I take blame for Holly posting about this as I sent her the announcement and suggested she post about it but never looked at the details