LAHORE: A two-day International Parasitology Conference on “Tackling Food Security Challenges” was recently organized by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Parasitology department, in collaboration with the Pakistan Society of Parasitology and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), at the UVAS City Campus.
The inaugural session was presided over by UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younus (DLA.I, T.I). Prof. Dr. Neil Sargison from the UK was the guest of honour. The event featured contributions from prominent figures such as Prof. Dr. Aneela Zameer Durrani, Chair of the Department of Parasitology and President of the Pakistan Society of Parasitology, as well as Prof. Dr. Kamran Ashraf and Conference Secretary Prof. Dr. Imran Rashid.
The moot was attended by veterinary and medical professionals, parasitologists, molecular biologists, and vector control specialists from across the globe, including Canada, the UK, Romania, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, Iran, China, Tunisia, and Belgium, participated, alongside representatives from various public and private organizations in Pakistan.
Addressing the conference, Prof. Dr. Younus stressed the importance of expert recommendations for eradicating parasites in animals to reduce mortality rates and enhance animal health and productivity.
He expressed hope that the conference would facilitate knowledge sharing and foster innovative solutions to combat parasitic diseases, ultimately supporting the livestock sector strengthening the national economy.
Prof. Dr. Aneela Zameer Durrani said food security is a critical issue in Pakistan and conference is a step towards addressing such challenges. She pointed out obstacles facing the livestock sector, including climate change, zoonotic diseases, and parasitic infections, adversely affecting production.
Earlier, Prof. Dr. Imran Rashid discussed the threat posed by ticks and their role in transmitting diseases that significantly impact livestock productivity.
Prof. Dr. Kamran Ashraf, speaking at the inaugural session acknowledged the support of the Livestock Department for funding research projects and vaccine production, which contribute to the growth of the livestock sector.
The conference featured various scientific sessions, including keynote and plenary lectures, oral and poster presentations, besides online discussions.
The topics discussed during the conference covered critical areas of parasitology, including parasitic diseases of veterinary and public health significance, host-parasite interactions, diagnostic methods, chemical treatments and prevention strategies, one-health approaches, the effects of environmental change, and the role of veterinarians in epidemiology within the one-health framework. -PR
