In 1988, Prof. Dr. Kaleta and Dr. Heffels-Redmann organized the first International Symposium on Infectious Bronchitis in the Castle of Rauischholzhausen. This marked the start of a rich tradition: the organization of a unique symposium for scientists and industry involved in research on relevant poultry viruses, such as infectious bronchitis virus, avian metapneumovirus, infectious bursal disease virus and chicken anemia virus. During the four days of the symposium that has been organized every 2 to 3 years, new research data on all aspects of a selection of these viral infections were presented. This served as basis for intense discussions and strategies for future work, to initiate novel collaborations, and to strengthen existing ones. There was great interest of scientists and industrial partners to join these meetings over the years.
Due to the retirement of Prof. Kaleta and Dr. Heffels-Redmann, the 8th International Symposium on Avian Corona- and Metapneumoviruses and Complicating Pathogens held in June 2014 was the last one that would be organized in Rauischholzhausen. It was well recognized by all participants that the need for these scientific meetings, remained, as avian bronchitis virus still poses a constant threat for the poultry industry and more knowledge is required to combat this virus in chickens and other birds. The suggestion to continue the tradition of this unique symposium was uniformly supported.
We are very happy to announce that GD Animal Health (Deventer, The Netherlands) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University will jointly organize the 9th International Symposium on Avian Corona- and Metapneumoviruses and Complicating Pathogens in June 2016. The symposium will be held at ‘Landgoed ISVW’, Leusden, province of Utrecht, the Netherlands.
