Insights from the 2023 International Veterinary Immunology Symposium: global perspectives at Kruger National Park.

Abstract

The 13th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium (IVIS) was initially due to take place in August 2022, but as many things in our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world two years prior, forced the organising committee to postpone the meeting until November 2023. As it is tradition, the veterinary immunology symposium was organised as a satellite meeting of the IUIS International Congress of Immunology, which in 2023 took place in Cape Town, and it is where veterinary immunologists from all over the world get together to discuss advances and challenges in the field of animal health. The 2023 International Veterinary Immunology Symposium (IVIS) was held from November 17th to 21st at Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa. This was the first time the symposium was hosted on the African continent. This event gathered 210 veterinary professionals and scientists from 38 countries to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in veterinary immunology. A highlight of the event was that over 70% of the delegates were first-time attendees, contributing to the symposium's global reach. The symposium featured a series of 83 oral presentations and 104 poster presentations, including topics relating to protective immunity, vaccine strategies, important disease targets, and methodological advancements in veterinary immunology. Workshops provided hands-on experiences and discussions on new technologies such as next-generation sequencing and vaccine development strategies against bacterial infections. The symposium also provided opportunities for networking and engagements with leaders in the field, set against the backdrop of one of Africa's most iconic game reserves, enhancing the experience with a unique blend of professional exchange and natural beauty.