APAVP takes on zoonotic threats

KUCHING: A significant milestone in veterinary science has been achieved with the launch of the Asia Pacific Association of Veterinary Parasitology (APAVP) at the 21st International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) 2024.

APAVP, a direct outcome of the 22nd Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) Congress 2023 and the 21st ICTMM 2024, aims to promote the science, education, and awareness of veterinary parasitology, vector-borne diseases, and parasitic zoonosis across Asia.

The association seeks to become a leading platform for collaboration among veterinarians, scientists, students, industry partners, government agencies, and international organisations in the region.

Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak director Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud emphasised the urgent need for global cooperation in light of health crises such as monkeypox, rabies, and other zoonotic diseases.

“These outbreaks and disease transmissions pose a significant threat to Malaysia’s public health and economic trade.

“We require more experts in veterinary parasitology to prevent negative impacts on Sarawak’s development.”

“DVS Sarawak is keen to collaborate with APAVP to strengthen our control, management, and prevention of diseases affecting both human and animal populations,” he said during the launch held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Sept 21).

APAVP, Boehringer Ingelheim and BESarawak at the Q&A session.

Boehringer Ingelheim, a founding sponsor and partner of APAVP, reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in veterinary parasitology across the Asia-Pacific region.

Its Global Head of Technical Services for Pet Parasitology Frederic Beugnet said APAVP provides a crucial platform for collaboration, where industry experts from across the region can share knowledge, exchange insights, and establish best practices in veterinary parasitology.

“Through this collective effort, we can more effectively tackle the challenges facing our field,” he added.