The 1st annual Oxford avian influenza conference, BirdFlu2008, will address most aspects of basic and applied research on avian influenza viruses and their potential health and socio-economic impact on humans. The conference is aimed at bringing together leading experts in the field from both academia and industry, veterinarians, postdoctoral researchers, graduate research students, research managers and policy makers. Thus this event will provide an international forum to discover the latest research directions and thinking in this field in academic and commercial settings, to exchange data and ideas and to develop new collaborative links.

General Conference Themetic Areas

* Epidemiology and evolution of avian influenza viruses, especially of H5N1, in poultry and human populations
* Molecular biology and analysis of viral strains - molecular genetics of host-pathogen interaction
* Virulence and pathogenecity
* Mathematical models
* National and international surveillance, containment, management and contingency strategies
* Antiviral drug development and treatment strategies, including vaccination
* Advances in viral detection and identification technologies
* Economic impact on veterinary industry

Important Dates

* Early registration: 10 April 2008(10% discount)
* Abstract submission for oral presentation: 10 April 2008
* Abstract submission for poster presentation: 30 June 2008
* Registration deadline: 31 July 2008
* Late/on site registration: Subject to availability of places

Scientific and Programme Advisors

Dr John McCauley, National Institute for Medical Research, UK
Dr Munir Iqbal, Institute for Animal Health, UK

Who Should Attend

* Academic and Research Institutes: Group and Lab Heads, Postdoctoral Scientists and Graduate Research Students, Research Managers
* Biotech and Pharma Industry: CEOs, Chief Scientists, Group Heads and Team Leaders, Senior and Junior Research Scientists, Research Managers

We look forward to welcoming you at Oxford.