PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
On behalf of the International Committee (IC), it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 13th International Equine Infectious Disease Conference (IEIDCXIII) which will be held as an in-person meeting in the city of Utsunomiya, Japan, from 23 October to 27 October 2028. Utsunomiya is a vibrant and welcoming city located approximately 100 km north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, known for its blend of modern urban life, excellent transport connections, rich cultural heritage, and surrounding natural beauty. Utsunomiya provides an ideal setting for international conferences like IEIDCXIII.
The IC are indebted to the Japan Racing Association (JRA) for offering to host IEIDCXIII and it is a great honour to be working with them in delivering what will be an excellent conference. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for IEIDCXIII is being ably chaired by the JRA’s Dr Hiroshi Bannai and under Hiroshi’s stewardship they are already developing exciting plans for an outstanding scientific programme, practitioners’ sessions, and social events for delegates and accompanying persons and great value sponsorship packages. The 13th conference will feature plenary lectures, oral and poster presentations and plenty of networking opportunities along with a trade exhibition that will be supported by our valued local and international sponsors.
The IEIDC brings together experts from all equine infectious disease disciplines including parasitology, bacteriology, virology, epidemiology, immunology, clinical veterinary medicine, and related areas of horse health. The aim of the conference is to share knowledge, foster international collaboration, nurture early career researchers, and address the infectious disease challenges that affect the health and welfare of horses and other equids around the world. The conference is held every four years in different geographical regions, reflecting the truly global nature of our field.
The IEIDC conference series remains uniquely important for those working in equine infectious diseases, as it is the only international conference dedicated entirely to infectious diseases affecting horses and other equids. Infectious diseases continue to pose major health, welfare, and economic challenges worldwide. Horses and working equids remain essential for transport and livelihoods in many developing regions, while the global movement of sport horses for racing, breeding, and international competition continues to increase the risks associated with infectious disease transmission. Equally important, horses play a central role in leisure, recreation, and human wellbeing worldwide, making their protection from infectious diseases a matter of broad social and cultural significance.
The excellence and diversity of the science presented at IEIDC are what make the conference so valuable and attractive to delegates, whether they are established investigators, clinicians, practitioners, or early-career researchers. The strong scientific programme, welcoming atmosphere, and opportunities for collaboration and mentorship have made previous conferences memorable experiences for attendees from around the world.
One of the greatest strengths of IEIDC is the opportunity it provides to meet new colleagues who share a passion for equine health and infectious disease research, while also reconnecting with long-standing friends and collaborators within our international community.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to advancing horse health and infectious disease research. We look forward to welcoming you to Japan in October 2028 for what promises to be an exciting, productive, and memorable IEIDCXIII.
Dr Richard Newton
Chair: International Organising Committee
James GILKERSON
President IEIDC