Conservation Medicine of marine mammals

Conservation medicine is an increasingly interdisciplinary field that studies the relationship between human and animal health, and environmental conditions. In particular the environmental causes of health problems are complex, global, and poorly understood. Outbreaks in the last few years such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and the recent bird-flu pandemic illustrate the need to document and understand these diseases for the benefit of both humans and animals. While researchers are learning more about these pandemics in the terrestrial environment, due to the migratory nature of many marine species such events are difficult to understand in the marine environment. As a result there is still little documentation on diseases of wild marine mammals and potential overlap with those from other marine animals. However, such disease events in marine systems appear on the increase in recent years, possibly as a result of rising sea temperatures. This workshop aims at information exchange between researchers, gathering of existing knowledge on diseases in marine mammals, and identifying the areas where future research efforts need to concentrate.

Format of workshop

Morning of invited presentations and afternoon of discussion

Cost of workshop

US$ 30 (R 200) per person

Date & venue

Wednesday 28 November; CTICC

Call for papers

Participants and additional interested parties are asked to submit abstracts (no more than 200 words) outlining their proposed contribution by 20 June to

Stephanie Plön

e-mail: stephanie@bayworld.co.za