IDReC-University of Otago-ESR Mini-Symposium

Two-day Mini-Symposium 2014

9th and 10th September

The aim of this symposium was to provide scientists and policy makers with an opportunity to share information and ideas on current research in the field of infectious disease. The symposium was co-hosted by Massey University (IDReC), the University of Otago (The Infection Group) and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, under the ‘One Health Aotearoa’ umbrella. 

One Health Aotearoa is an alliance between researchers working at the interface between human, animal and environmental health. One Health Aotearoa brings together scientists working in a wide range of disciplines of relevance to the control of diseases of humans and animals; including both wildlife and domestic animals. It recognises the fact that many of our most important diseases, both globally and within New Zealand, are transmitted between animals and humans (the zoonoses) and many of the tools and techniques required to treat, prevent and control diseases generally (i.e. not just zoonoses) are equally applicable to both human and veterinary medicine.

One Health Aotearoa also recognises the importance of interdisciplinary and translational research, as well as comparative approaches that cut across traditional boundaries, such as comparative pathology and medicine. The disciplines of relevance include: microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, microbial genetics, mathematical modelling and evolutionary modelling, all of which were represented at this symposium. 

The talks at the symposium covered a wide range of diseases of both human and animals including gastro-intestinal diseases, pneumonia, skin disease, neurological disease and generalised infections. They also covered important issues such as antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development and the need to improve diagnostic tools.  Specific diseases covered included tuberculosis, paratuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus infection, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis, Rheumatic Fever, Neisseria meningitis, measles and Ebola.

The symposium was well attended by over 100 delegates, including individuals from academia and the Ministries of Health and Primary Industries, and was a great success. 

Presentations from the symposium can be found below.

Presentations from previous symposiums can be found here.