Kansas State University

Second annual mini-symposium on transboundary diseases of importance to U.S. agriculture and One Health offered June 23

Submitted by Sarah Hancock

The Biosecurity Research Institute, or BRI, and the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, or CEEZAD, are offering a mini-symposium from 1:30-5:15 p.m. June 23 in Pat Roberts Hall.

Juergen Richt, CEEZAD director and Regents distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, will serve as moderator of "Transboundary Diseases of Importance to U.S. Agriculture and One Health." The event is free, but seating is limited, so an RSVP is required by 5 p.m. June 21. Call John Webster at 785-532-1333 or email johnwebster@bri.ksu.edu to RSVP.

Topics and speakers for the mini-symposium:

• Ebola Virus in West Africa: Heinz Feldmann, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
• Foot and Mouth Disease: Don King, The Pirbright Institute.
• African Swine Fever and Vaccine Discovery: Luis Rodriguez, Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
• Rift Valley Fever: Brian Bird, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• National Bio Agro-Defense Facility Update: Michelle Colby, agricultural defense branch chief, Department of Homeland Security; Beth Lautner, associate deputy administrator, Science Technology and Analysis Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Ron Trewyn, NBAF liaison, K-State; and Marty Vanier, director of partnership development in the NBAF program executive office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Paul Gibbs, K-State professor of veterinary medicine, will moderate the discussion.

The mini-symposium is offered in conjunction with a Department of Homeland Security-funded two-week training program developed by CEEZAD in cooperation with BRI. Ten students are participating in the program. Selected students include graduate students and veterinary medicine students from around the nation who have demonstrated career interest in transboundary and zoonotic diseases of animals. The first week consists of hands-on containment research education. During the second week, students participate in seminars, hear lectures, and make field visits to Kansas State University business and industry partners in the Greater Kansas City Animal Health Corridor.