World Association for Veterinary Dermatology--2015 Update. Five years of supporting the worldwide advancement of the specialty.

Abstract

The World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) is celebrating the 5th anniversary of its name change from the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology Association. Along with the name change, the Association has transformed itself from an organization that focused primarily on the planning of the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology to one with additional new programmes and initiatives to address global needs in veterinary dermatology better. The WAVD is currently composed of seven large national or multinational member organizations (American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, American College of Veterinary Dermatology, European Society of Veterinary Dermatology, European College of Veterinary Dermatology, Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, Asian Society of Veterinary Dermatology and the Dermatology Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists). In addition, WAVD is working with one provisional member organization, Sociedad Latioamericana de Dermatología Veterinaria, to help develop and support the growth of veterinary dermatology in Latin America. It is anticipated that the Latin America Society will achieve full member status of WAVD in the future. For more information on the WAVD and its members, see the WAVD website (www.wavd.org). Over the past several years, WAVD has strengthened partnerships with other groups that share similar interests in veterinary dermatology. Affiliate Members of WAVD now include the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals, the International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology and the Global Veterinary Dermatology Education Group. WAVD provides financial support to these affiliate groups for a broad range of initiatives, including the development of unique scientific and educational programmes in veterinary dermatology. Other initiatives for WAVD in 2015 and beyond include the following: providing support to other regions of the world, such as the South African Veterinary Dermatology Interest Group; awarding the Hugo Schindelka Medal at the next World Congress to recognize excellence in scholarship and publication in veterinary dermatology; establishing an educational scholarship to honour the life and career of Dr Peter Ihrke; publishing Clinical Practice Guidelines for key topics in veterinary dermatology, such as dermatophytosis and staphylococcal infections of the skin; and endorsement and dissemination of dermatological publications of importance to general veterinary practitioners. The 8th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology will be held in Bordeaux, France from 31 May to 4 June 2016. Detailed information is available on the Congress website (www.vetdermbordeaux.com). The following six themes have been selected for the scientific programme: genetics/genomics; skin as an immune organ/allergy; skin biology/living skin; infectious diseases; new diagnostic approaches; and new trends in therapy. There will also be equine, feline and exotic animal programmes plus continuing education sessions, free communications and posters. WAVD will be providing 25 scholarships to support attendance at WCVD8. See the WAVD or Congress websites for more information about the scholarship opportunities.