The University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center will host the 9th International Conference on Equine Infectious Diseases (EID IX) Oct. 21-26,at the Hilton Lexington/Downtown Hotel. This is the second time this conference has been held in Lexington; the first time was in 1987 to mark the official opening of the Gluck Center.

The five-day conference will feature plenary sessions covering infectious and parasitic diseases in the areas of respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, reproduction and diseases of the working horse. Abstract presentations will focus on specific disease agents, immunology and diagnostics. Special sessions will focus on gastrointestinal parasites and impediments to the international movement of horses.

The conference will feature a practitioner's day Oct. 21 for equine veterinarians or anyone interested in equine infectious diseases. It will highlight some of the more significant findings presented at the conference.

“The conference will provide a unique opportunity for equine scientists and veterinarians from around the world to meet and discuss recent advances and ongoing challenges,” said local organizing chair David Horohov, William Robert Mills chair in equine immunology at the Gluck Center. “This conference will provide a worldwide perspective on many of these issues and help to identify areas of urgent need for future research. We will also hear about recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases.”

The international conference series on equine infectious diseases began in 1966 in Stresa, Italy. Other previous meetings included Paris, France -- 1969 and 1972; Lyon, France -- 1976; Lexington, Ky. – 1987; Cambridge, United Kingdom -- 1991; Tokyo, Japan -- 1994 and Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- 1998. About 90 equine researchers attended the first conference in 1966 and about 330 attended in 1998.

“Since the last conference in Dubai in 1998, we have seen the re-emergence of infectious diseases and parasitism as major health concerns for equine populations. We have also seen the emergence of new equine infectious diseases both here and abroad,” Horohov said. “I very much look forward to interacting with colleagues from around the world and hearing more about the important work they are doing to improve the health and well-being of horses.” 

The platinum sponsor for the conference is Pfizer Animal Health. Gold sponsors are Boehringer Ingelheim, Coolmore America, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, IDEXX Laboratories, International Racehorse Transport, Merck Animal Health, Merial and VMRD, Inc. Silver sponsors are the American Quarter Horse Association, Bayer Animal Health, Butler Schein Animal Health, Darley, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Juddmonte Farms, Mersant International Limited, Peden Bloodstock, Platinum Performance, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and Siena Farm, LLC. Bronze sponsors are Castleton Lyons, Centaur, Equine Medical Associates, Milburn Equine, Neogen Corporation, North American Equine Ranching Information Council and Virbac Animal Health. Other supporters include the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders and WinStar Farm, LLC. 

For more information on the EID IX conference, visit http://www.eidc2012.com. To register for the conference or for practitioner’s day, visit http://eidc2012.eventbrite.com.

The mission of the Gluck Center, a UK Ag Equine Program, is scientific discovery, education and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the health and well-being of horses. The Gluck Center faculty conducts equine research in six targeted areas: genetics and genomics, infectious diseases and immunology, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology/toxicology and reproductive health.

For more information on the Gluck Center, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck.