The University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center will host a one-day symposium titled the “Role of Immunology in Equine Health” on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Lexington.

This symposium will focus on the immune system’s role in equine diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Researchers will present information on the immune response to equine arteritis virus, respiratory disorders, parasitism, skin diseases, and immune changes in foals. Factors affecting the immune response to vaccines will also be presented.

The symposium is targeted toward veterinarians, regulatory officials, farm managers, and breed registry representatives.

The symposium is partially funded by a USDA-NIFA-AFRI (United States Department of Agriculture- National Institute of Food and Agriculture-Agriculture and Food Research Initiative) grant titled "Identification of genetic factors responsible for establishment of equine arteritis virus carrier state in stallions." However, registration is required and the event costs $25. To register, visithttp://immunologysymposium.eventbrite.com.

Eight hours of Continuing Education is pending approval by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. CE sheets must be signed at the meeting to receive credit. For more information, contact Jenny Evans at jenny.evans@uky.edu or 859/218-1089.

Symposium Schedule

• 8-8:30 a.m.—REGISTRATION
• 8:30-9:30 An overview of the immune system—Amanda Adams, PhD, UK Gluck Equine Research Center
• 9:30-10—Immune control of vector-borne pathogens—Robert Mealey, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, Washington State University
• 10-10:15—BREAK
• 10:15-11—Immune response to EAV—Udeni Balasuriya, BVSc, MS, PhD, UK Gluck Equine Research Center
• 11-noon—Equine lymphoma: classification and an integrative approach to diagnosis—Renaud Leguillette, DMV, MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, University of Calgary
• Noon-1 p.m—LUNCH and LECTURE: Trends in vaccine development—Frank Cook, PhD, UK Gluck Equine Research Center
• 1-1:45—Immune response of the uterus to sperm and bacteria—Robert Causey, DVM, PhD, University of Maine
• 1:45-2:30—Immune response of the foal—David Horohov, PhD, UK Gluck Equine Research Center
• 2:30-2:45 BREAK
• 2:45-3:30—Immunodiagnostics and molecular diagnostics of equine lymphoma—Peter Moore, DVM, PhD, University of California, Davis
• 3:30-4:15—Immune response to parasites—Don Knowles, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP, Washington State University
• 4:15-5—Local and systemic immune response to bacterial infection—John Timoney, MVB, PhD, DSc, MRCVS, UK Gluck Equine Research Center
• 5-5:15 CLOSING REMARKS