8th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology.

Abstract

The Eighth World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology was held in Bordeaux, France, from 31st May to 4th June 2016. Over 2,150 individuals participated in the congress including 1,750 delegates from 72 countries. The scientific programme of the congress included state-of-the-art speakers, supporting reviews and original research in the areas of genetics/genomics, allergy, skin biology, therapeutics, infectious diseases and new diagnostic approaches. Nineteen manuscripts with information from these presentations are found in this issue of Veterinary Dermatology. We thank the speakers and co-authors for their important contributions to the discipline of veterinary dermatology. Over 230 research papers and posters were also presented at the congress. Abstracts of this information were published previously in a special supplement of Veterinary Dermatology (Volume 27, Supplement 1, May 2016; available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.2016.27.issue-s1/issuetoc). Proceedings of the continuing education programme from the congress are available electronically on the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) website (available at http://www.wavd.org/images/pdf/WCVD8CEProceedings.pdf). Furthermore, the Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, which contains all papers published in this issue in addition to the workshop reports, will soon be available online to all delegates. The success of the congress was made possible by the commitment, dedication and energy of the officers and members of all the organizing committees. Further, we would like to recognize the general assistance and financial support of our sponsors. We hope you find this issue of Veterinary Dermatology and the other information from the 8th Congress valuable in your efforts to bring the specialty of veterinary dermatology to a broader global audience. Sydney warmly invites you to attend the Ninth World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD9) to be held from 22 to 24 October, 2020. Come and be part of this superb international scientific event in the dream destination of Australia. Our exciting programme will deliver the most recent scientific advances in veterinary dermatology in the new, purpose built International Convention Centre overlooking the spectacular Darling Harbour - the world's largest natural harbour and recognised as one of the world's most beautiful waterways. The Centre is located just five miles from the airport and within the vibrant and modern Sydney metropolis; access to hotels, restaurants, iconic heritage and tourist sites are within walking distance and easily accessed by public transport. The World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology has become a global event of unsurpassed status in the international sphere of veterinary science and education. The great success of the past Congress in Bordeaux, with record attendance from around the world, emphasizes the global nature of veterinary dermatology. WCVD9 delegates will have the option of attending lectures from world-class experts delivering cutting edge, state-of-the-art research to an extensive programme of both advanced and comprehensive continuing education in dermatology. Free communications, poster sessions, company symposia and workshops will allow for informal exchanges of ideas between experts and participants in a wide range of subjects as well as show-casing original scientific research. Our excellent scientific programme will be matched by a social programme that captures our warmth and relaxed hospitality. While you are here, experience Sydney's natural beauty and culture around Sydney Harbour and the historic Rocks district; dine under the sails of the Sydney Opera House; bushwalk through Sydney Harbour National Park; explore famous coastal beaches or visit the Blue Mountains. Australia is an exciting destination boasting spectacular wilderness, rare wildlife, rich indigenous heritage, friendly hospitality, and world class wine and food. Australia is a perfect destination for WCVD9 and a meeting not to be missed. Mandy Burrows Murdoch, Western Australia WCVD9 President