Stepping Stone Symposium

In recent years, significant reductions in the use of antibiotics were achieved, and continuous research efforts improved prevention of listed animal infections. However, infections and related diseases by not-listed, endemic animal pathogens are still dominating the daily health problems in farm animals.

Innovative research

The Stepping Stone symposium highlights innovative research approaches to increase our understanding of host and pathogen before and during infection. The symposium intends to stimulate discussions and cooperation for cutting edge science to supply knowledge for new, combined and specific approaches to prevent endemic infections and to protect against disease.

Focus on pig diseases

This meeting will focus on pig infectiology, exploring the intricate mechanisms of the pig’s innate immune response after birth, throughout growth, and during both singular and endemic viral/bacterial co-infections. Special attention will be given to how intestinal mucosal immunity supports effective local and systemic immune reactions, aids the development of vaccine-induced specific immunity, and interacts with the microbiome to enhance overall resilience.

Speakers are: Nathalie van der Heijden (PAHW, Belgium), Artur Summerfield (IVI, Switserland), Bert DeVriendt (UGent), Sandra Vreman (WUR/WBVR), Manouk Vrieling (WUR/WBVR), Susanna Commandeur (WBVR/WUR), Lonneke Vervelde (Royal GD), Dirkjan Schokker (WBVR/WUR), Birgitta Duim (Utrecht University) and Rik de Swart (WUR/WBVR) and Susanne Commandeur (WUR/WBVR).

Moderator: Jan Langermans (BPRC Rijswijk)

The symposium language will be English.

Program

13.00 h Doors open

13.30 h Welcome address by Annemarie Rebel

director of Wageningen Bioveterinary Research

Endemic infectious farm animal diseases - latest insights

13.40 h Keynote: to be confirmed

Part 1. Insights in complex regulation of the immune system

14.05 h Keynote: Artur Summerfield (IVI, Switserland)

Additional contributions from:

Manouk Vrieling (WBVR), Susanna Commandeur (WBVR) and Sandra Vreman (WBVR)

15.35 h Tea break

16.00 h Part 2. Steering mucosal immunity

Keynote: Bert DeVriendt (UGent)

Additional contributions from:

Brigitta Duim (Utrecht University) and Dirkjan Schokker (WBVR)

17.15 h Part 3. Complex cell system approaches

Keynote: Lonneke Vervelde (Royal GD)

Additional contribution from:

Rik de Swart (WBVR)

18.00 h Closing address by Norbert Stockhofe

18.30 h Drinks & bites

Location

Agora Theater

Agorabaan 12

8224 JS Lelystad

Stepping Stone Symposium

Program

Location

Agora Theater

WUR symposium: Endemic Infectious Diseases in Farm Animals