OIE/JSFP/Hiroshima Univ. International Symposium on Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) of Fish (Hiroshima, Japan, 28 November-1 December 2006)
The International Symposium on Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) of Fish was jointly organised by Hiroshima University, the Japanese Society of Fish Pathology (JSFP) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to review and discuss various aspects of VNN including betanoda viruses to further understand the agents and disease as well as its prevention and control.
The Symposium was attended by 85 participants from 20 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, France, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea RO, Malaysia, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Taipei China, Tunisia, UK, USA and Vietnam as well as international organisations including OIE and Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC).
Opening addresses were delivered by the representatives of the three organisations including Dr Toshihiro Nakai (OIE World Reference Laboratory), Hiroshima University, Dr Mamoru Yoshimizu, President of the JSFP, and Dr Yoshiyuki Oketani, OIE Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific. They welcomed participants and expected active discussions and the exchange of the latest information on VNN.
Dr Giuseppe Bovo (OIE World Reference Laboratory), Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Italy, acted as the Session Chairperson and as one of keynote speakers. He gave a presentation entitled “Appearance and control of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy in the Mediterranean area”.
Discussing recent VNN situation worldwide, the Symposium recognised that intensive studies had been made to define the causative agents and establish diagnostic and preventive measures but that there still remain many subjects to be studied.
The Symposium was successfully organised in order to provide fish disease researchers and veterinarians with the current information and knowledge of VNN. Furthermore, the Symposium provided a good opportunity to introduce the OIE aquatic animal health standards and OIE World Reference Laboratory’s activities in fisheries area to the audience.