The concept of One Health recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health. The Animal Biotech Summit will provide an opportunity to learn about how and why the One Health approach is required for addressing some of the greatest threats to human health. It is difficult to imagine how we will meet current and future challenges in the absence of this interdisciplinary point of view and approach to problem-solving. The Animal Biotech Summit will provide broad overviews of some of the animal health, biomedical research, biotherapeutics, food safety and security, and environmental applications of biotechnology.  The sessions will feature presentations on the relationship of the One Health approach to: 

• Sustainability in animal production
• Farm animal health and welfare
• Food safety, quality and security
• Vector-borne diseases
• Emerging infectious diseases
• Animal models of human diseases
• Environmental disruptions and health
• Regulatory issues
• Trade impacts
• Public acceptance
• Incentives for new product development

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Industry, academic and government scientists in biomedical, veterinary, wildlife and agricultural fields
• Pharmaceutical and agricultural executives in R&D, regulatory, and international affairs
• Government officials, regulators and policymakers
• Investors in innovative pharmaceutical and agricultural technologies
• Advocacy groups representing the interests of human health and animal agriculture

Between 2010 and 2014, BIO hosted three Livestock Biotech Summits that focused on the use of genetically engineered animals in agriculture and medicine. This year we are broadening the scope of the conference to encompass the application of many biotechnologies, including genetic engineering, to animals in order to understand, identify and solve problems where animal, human and environmental health issues intersect.    

WHY ATTEND?

To manage and reduce One Health risks with biotechnology we need:

• A holistic view of human, animal and ecosystem interfaces
• Interdisciplinary collaborations and new partnerships
• An appreciation of the complex interactions among humans, animals and the environments they live in
• Access to every available tool for identifying and solving problems
• Sustained support from federal agencies, research institutions, policymakers and the public

The Animal Biotech Summit will provide an opportunity to initiate much-needed conversations, create new networks and break down barriers that obstruct successful implementation of One Health.

For general information, contact Adrianne Massey at amassey@bio.org or call 202.962.9238.