The University of Kentucky (UK) Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center will host the 9th International Conference on Equine Infectious Diseases (EID IX) Oct. 21-26, 2012 at the Hilton Lexington/Downtown Hotel. This is the second time this conference has been held in Lexington. UK hosted the fifth conference in 1987 to mark the Gluck Center’s official opening 25 years ago.

The five-day conference will feature plenary sessions covering infectious and parasitic diseases in the areas of emerging, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic, reproduction and diseases of the working horse. There will also be abstract presentations on specific disease agents, immunology, diagnostics and special sessions focusing on gastrointestinal parasites and impediments to the international movement of horses.

The conference will feature a practitioner’s day Oct. 21 for equine veterinarians or anyone interested in equine infectious diseases that will highlight some of the more significant findings presented at the conference.

"The 9th International Conference on Equine Infectious Diseases will provide a unique opportunity for equine scientists and veterinarians from around the world to meet and discuss recent advances and ongoing challenges," said local organizing chair David Horohov, PhD, William Robert Mills Chair in equine immunology at the Gluck Center. "This conference will provide a worldwide perspective on many of these issues and help to identify areas of urgent need for future research. We will also hear about recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these diseases