13th EWDA Conference AUCTION Thursday evening, August 30, 2018
It is already a tradition to hold an Auction during the EWDA Conferences.
The auction is an important fundraiser for the EWDA student chapter and it is a great opportunity to show them our support! Plus, the auction night is a great opportunity for funny and lively moments to remember! Participants are kindly requested to bring a relevant good quality item with a wildlife theme suitable for auction!
Examples could include a book, piece of artwork, T-shirt or hat, or any other piece of wildlife-based memorabilia that a member of the EWDA or other conference delegate would find interesting and be willing to pay for. We are looking forward to this year’s event and ask for your assistance to make it a success!
Αuction item… “Beauty of Bath”
The auction of the “beauty of Bath” (attached picture) will be a highlight of the EWDA Conference … this unique object is a “new tradition” of our association!
This Beauty will be auctioned with the hope of exceeding the bets of the Berlin conference. Guess what it is ?
and you also tell us what extraordinary object you are going to auction …
EWDA Network Meeting: How to start up a wildlife health surveillance programme.
Date: August 26, 2018 | Time: 13:00 to 20:00
Background:
Out of 49 European countries, we know of only 14 countries that have a wildlife health surveillance programme at a level 2 or 3. Level 2 means partial general surveillance, i.e. wide range of programmes but restriction in various ways, e.g. geographical regions or covered species. Level 3 means comprehensive general surveillance, involving the entire country, and a wide range of species and diseases covered. Therefore, we have no or only poor knowledge of the state of wildlife health in the majority of European countries. In wildlife health surveillance, as in many other areas, “The first step is the hardest.” How did those European countries who do have partial or comprehensive general surveillance of wildlife health get started? Knowledge of their histories may be useful for people who are keen to start wildlife health surveillance in their own country. However, this information is not generally available. The goal of this EWDA Network meeting is to use the knowledge from OIE training programmes, plus the start-up periods of countries with established wildlife health surveillance systems to help other countries to set up their own systems.
Posters:
Anyone who is involved in wildlife health surveillance in Europe and wishes to present information about this for his/her country or region, is invited to submit a poster that will be available for viewing during the workshop. Those intending to present a poster at the workshop are asked to contact Becki Lawson (email: Becki.Lawson@ioz.ac.uk) by 15th July 2018 to confirm their intention to participate and receive guidelines for abstract formatting. Poster abstracts (maximum 500 words) should be sent as Word files to Becki Lawson (email: Becki.Lawson@ioz.ac.uk) by the deadline of 1st August 2018.
Posters will follow the EWDA conference guidelines – please note the use of e-Posters formatted in landscape orientation. Details are available @
14:00-14:05. Welcome and introduction (Thijs Kuiken)
14:05-14:15. Overview of wildlife health surveillance in Europe as of 2009 (Thijs Kuiken)
14:15-14:30. Review of requirements of a wildlife health surveillance programme (Marie-Pierre Ryser)
14:30-15:30. Start-up and growth spurts of established wildlife health surveillance systems in a selected number of countries, part 1 (4 x 15 min; Paul Tavernier, Belgium; Antonio Lavazza, Italy; Jorge Lopez, Spain; Marie-Pierre Ryser, Switzerland)
15:30-16:00. Break and Poster Viewing
16:00-16:30. Start-up and growth spurts of established wildlife health surveillance programmes in a selected number of countries, part 2 (2 x 15 min; Jolianne Rijks, The Netherlands; Becki Lawson and Paul Duff, U.K.)
16:30-17:15. Panel discussion: what worked, what didn’t? (Panel: all speakers on start-up and growth spurts of established programmes. Chair: Thijs Kuiken)
17:15-17:45. Break and Poster Viewing
17:45-19:00. Situation reports of a selected number of countries who wish to start a wildlife health surveillance programme (5 x 15 min; Kastriot Korro, Albania; Daniel Mladenov, Bulgaria; Gudrun Wibbelt, Germany; Charalambos Billinis, Greece; Sara Sevic, Serbia)
19:00-19.45. Panel discussion: how to get started? (Panel: all speakers on countries wishing to start a programme . Chair: Thijs Kuiken)
Alonissos – National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades
Saturday, September 1, 2018
08:00-approx. 22:00
Alonissos belongs to the complex of Sporades Islands. It has a total area of approximately 64.5km2 and its coastline is approximately 67km in length. This is a region of great geographical diversity, where Alonissos along with its neighbouring islands collectively form a unique ecosystem: the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades.
The National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades was the first marine park established in Greece (1992) and is currently the largest marine protected area in Europe (2200km2, while it is member of the MedPAN (Network of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean).
The National Marine park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades is the nature reserve for a series of terrestrial and marine species living in the Mediterranean Sea, including hundreds of plants and animals, while it is one of the most important nature reserves for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the most endangered mammals in the world.
More information about the fauna ecosystem:
The area of the Marine Park is also a precious reserve for many fish species (about 300), birds (over 80 species), reptiles and mammals. The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), the red coral (Coralium rubrum), Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae), Audouin’s gull (Larus audouinii), the Common shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and the wild goat of Gioura (Capra aegagrus) are some of the most typical rare species living in this area. Bonelli’s eagles (Hieraetus fasciatus), Great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), Yellow-legged gulls (Larus cacchinans) and swifts (Apus apus & Apus melba) are some of the most common birds also found in the Marine Park. Various species of the Sylviidae family are also encountered here, such as the Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) and the Blackcap (Silvia articapilla). Marine fauna is also diverse, including numerous benthic and ocean species. Dolphins and some whale species also live within the area of the Marine Park. Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatua), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) are the most common species of dolphins and whales encountered here.
More information about Monachus monachus:
Monk seals used to live throughout the Mediterranean Sea; from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Morocco and Mauritania to the Black Sea. Under the influence of various factors, the population of monk seals has significantly decreased in numbers, and their natural reserves have been shrinking in size over time. In the last twenty years, the monk seal has become extinct in over ten countries and therefore, it is nowadays considered to be one of the most endangered mammals in Europe.
At some 400–500 remaining monk seals, scientists confirm that 2/3 of their total population live in Greece. The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the largest species of seals in the world; they grow up to 2-3m and weigh an average of 250 kg. It takes 3-4 years for females to reach reproductive maturity and a little longer for males. They are believed to live up to 35-40 years. Pregnancy lasts for 10 to 11 months; births take place mostly from May to November and peak from September to October.
Besides the scientific point of view, there is a cultural interest as well, since there are remarkable archaeological and historical monuments in the area (shipwrecks, old monasteries and churches) dating back to the prehistoric era, the classical period or the Byzantine Empire.
TOUR PROGRAM
We will start our tour from the port Achilleion, near the city of Volos, where we will be transferred by coach from Larissa.
At approximately 11:00 we will have a short stop at the island of Skopelos, which is the greenest island of Greece. The green colour of the pines and the thick forests meets the deep blue of the sea and the sky, and you will be amazed to dive in such an idyllic place.
We will leave the island of Skopelos at about 12:30, and travel towards Patitiri, which is the capital of Alonissos. During the trip we will have a typical greek summer lunch served in buffet (greek souvlaki – grilled on board, salads, etc.). Seagulls and dolphins will accompany us when on board, while approaching Alonissos we could also see monks.
We will arrive at the picturesque port of Patitiri in Alonissos before 14:00 the latest and head for the “Mom Information Center for study and protection of the Monk Seal”.
Later we will be transferred by bus to the traditional Old Village, a labyrinth of small roads, steep stairs and beautiful stone houses surrounded by flowers and pergolas. Thanks to its placement, the village is famous for the fantastic view to every direction.
Our visit to the National Park will continue to Steni Vala, where we can find the “Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre” for wounded and orphaned baby seals, run by MOm.
The tour in the Park will last about 3 hours. We can enjoy swimming and diving, take pictures, record videos, go sightseeing, and observe the wildlife in areas where public access is permitted, as long as we comply with the regulatory provisions for the protection of the ecosystem.
We will start our departure at about 18:30. On the way back, a stop in the other side of Skopelos is an option, while dinner on board is included too.
We will be back in Achilleion, Volos at about 22:00 and then return to Larissa at about 23:00.
If you wish to extend your staying on Alonissos or maybe Skopelos islands, you can be dropped off on each of them. Since it is a great opportunity for you to have your vacation after the conference, you are encouraged to do so. In this case though, accommodation and other arrangements need to be self-organized.
Post Conference tour is a unique opportunity to meet one of the most beautiful Greek islands in summertime, explore the most fascinating ecosystem inside the National Marine Park and observe the endangered Monk Seal species in its natural habitat.
One-day post Conference tour costs only 150 euro (included: transportation by bus from Larissa to Achilleion port and back, transportation by boat from Achilleion port to Skopelos and Alonissos islands and back, Mom Information Centre visit, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center visit, access in the National Marine Park, coffee, lunch, dinner)
Please register now and get advantage of the extremely privileged price we have ensured only for the EWDA Conference participants.[add_to_cart id=”1106″]
The 13th European Wildlife Disease Association Conference will take place from August 27-31, 2018 in Larissa, Greece. The EWDA Wildlife Health Surveillance Network meeting (August 26, 2018) and the annual meeting of ECZM (August 26-27, 2018) will take place in parallel.
To benefit from the gathering of wildlife professionals from all over Europe and beyond, the EWDA Student Chapter is organising a Pre-Conference Student Event on Sunday August 26th, 2018.
Combining these events will provide students with the opportunity to not only get to know peers, but to connect with leading scientists before the conference starts. We aim to assist the students in shaping their career path and update their knowledge in the field of wildlife diseases with the specific focus on how this knowledge can lead to a tangible outcome that can be measured.
The Sunday morning will start with an intoduction to EWDA and scientific lectures. After lunch interactive panel discussions and practical sessions will take place.
We will wrap up with a brainstorming session where student participants will be asked to provide input about what they wish to get out of EWDA Student membership and how these needs can be met better.
The day’s content can be further discussed during the cultural evening, whilst enjoying delicious food from all over Europe.
Thank you for your interest. Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information. We are looking forward to seeing you in Greece!
The official EWDA dinner will take place in the restaurant “Rivaz (ex Aquarium)”, in the city of Volos. Registered banquet participants will meet in Larissa- at the point the organizers will announce – at around 18:00 and will be transferred by bus to the banquet venue at Volos. A bus ride is organized as well in order to return them back in Larissa at around 23:30. Participants are kindly asked to request their tickets at the Conference registration desk.
Rivaz is settled in a historical site of Volos at Anavrou Square. It has been renovated lately and has a capacity of receipting about 400 persons. A huge terrace over the beach offers an amazing view of the Aegean Sea. Dinner and beverages have been carefully selected to satisfy every taste. Welcome drink (greek tsipouro), a variety of appetizers, main dishes (meat and vegan choices), salads and side plates, fruits and desserts, as well as drinks and beverages will be offered to make your experience worth remembering.
EWDA Conference dinner will be the ideal way to socialize with your colleagues in a relaxed environment and close the conference works in the most delightful way.
We will be pleased to meet you there. Please make sure you do not forget to make your reservation on the registration page of the Conference.
The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodoxmonasteries. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. It is located near the town of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains. Meteora is included on the UNESCOWorld Heritage List under criteria I, II, IV, V and VII. The name means “lofty”, “elevated”, and is etymologically related to meteor.
Our excursion is scheduled to include a guided visit to the two of the six remaining monasteries of Meteora, the St. Stephen’s and the Varlaam Monasteries. We will enter the monasteries and at the same time make a trip in time, going back to the centuries to learn the story of the first hermits and monks who arrived at the area that was going to evolve to the monastic community of Meteora, as is known nowadays. We will learn how the monasteries were established and why monks chose to settle at this place, where they would have to climb these steep rocks and use ropes and baskets to move around.
The Monastery of St. Stephen has a small church built in the 16th century and decorated in 1545. This monastery rests on the plain rather than on a cliff. It was shelled by the Nazis during World War II who believed it was harboring insurgents and was abandoned. The monastery was given over to nuns in 1961 and they have reconstructed it into a flourishing nunnery, with 28 nuns in residence in 2015.
The Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery in the Meteora complex, and in 2015 had the largest number of monks (seven) of the male monasteries. It was built in 1541 and embellished in 1548. The old refectory is used as a museum while north of the church is the parekklesion of the Three Bishops, built in 1627 and decorated in 1637.
Next step is the Museum of Natural History of Meteora and Mushroom Museum, in the city of Kalambaka. As you can guess, there are two museums housed in one building (1100 m2) that host two permanent collections:
The first one is about animals and contains approximately 350 species of mammals and birds, while the second one is about mushrooms and contains approximately 250 species of mushrooms. The collection of animals consists of high quality embalmed birds and mammals, made by Europe’s best taxidermists, while some of them are very rare. The mushroom collection consists of handmade mushroom sculptures that maintain the similarity of colors, shapes and size.. The sculptures were created one by one by high skilled sculptors of the wider local region.
Beyond the quality of the exhibits, we will enjoy a rather pioneering presentation of them, a theatrical scenery we would say, as animals and mushrooms are presented into dioramas, which depict exactly the natural terrain where they live and grow into (i.e. woods, wetlands etc.).
Besides the cultural interest of the sites described previously, there is a great scientific interest as well, since the area is hosting the largest Neophron percnopterus population in Greece.
Before getting back to Larissa, we will have the time to rest and enjoy our lunch in the surrounding area under the Meteora rocks. Moreover, a unique display of cooking pasta with truffle mushroom will take place especially for us.
