In a significant step forward for veterinary science, the Asia Pacific Association of Veterinary Parasitology (APAVP) was officially launched today during the 21st International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) 2024 in Kuching, Sarawak. This momentous occasion marks a pivotal achievement for veterinary parasitology in the region.
Born out of the legacy of both the 22nd Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) Congress 2023 and ICTMM 2024, the APAVP aims to advance the field of veterinary parasitology across Asia. Its mission is to raise the profile of education, research, and awareness of vector-borne diseases, zoonotic parasites, and related veterinary challenges in Asia. With the launch of this association, APAVP envisions creating an unparalleled platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among veterinarians, scientists, students, government agencies, and international organisations.
Industry Leadership and Sponsorship
Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has partnered with APAVP as its founding sponsor, signalling its commitment to supporting collaboration and advancing veterinary parasitology in the region. Through its sponsorship, Boehringer Ingelheim aims to drive education, foster research, and promote the latest innovations in combatting parasitic diseases, zoonoses, and vector-borne threats across the Asia-Pacific region.
Prof. Frédéric Beugnet, Global Head of Technical Services for Pet Parasitology at Boehringer Ingelheim, highlighted the importance of collective action: “APAVP provides a vital platform for industry experts and academics to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and establish best practices in parasitology. Together, we can tackle the most pressing challenges facing the veterinary field today.”
Supporting the Legacy of Business Events
Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), highlighted the long-term impact of business events on legacy creation: “The launch of APAVP is an inspiring example of the tangible legacy that can emerge from international conferences. Sarawak is proud to support the APAVP, and we look forward to future collaborations in hosting impactful events.”
Driving Future Initiatives
Dr. Reuben Sharma, President of the APAVP Steering Committee, shared the association’s ambitious plans to advance veterinary parasitology in the region: “The APAVP fully embodies the One Health approach, addressing the health needs of animals and humans alike. Our initiatives will focus on education, policy development, and collaboration to improve regional disease prevention.”
APAVP’s forthcoming initiatives include:
- Public education on zoonotic parasitic infections
- Training programs for veterinarians, students, and researchers
- Collaborating with government agencies for disease control
- Developing best practices for parasitic drug usage in animals
- Surveillance of parasitic diseases and zoonoses
- Regional policy development in partnership with international agencies
Following the launch, representatives from 12 countries including Australia, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, and others will participate in APAVP’s inaugural Steering Committee meeting.