Sarawak pioneers new veterinary parasitology association in APAC

Asia Pacific Association of Veterinary Parasitology (APAVP) aims to combat parasitic and zoonotic diseases in the region.

The Asia Pacific Association of Veterinary Parasitology (APAVP) and their steering committee members from 12 countries at the launch of the association.
The Asia Pacific Association of Veterinary Parasitology (APAVP) and their steering committee members from 12 countries at the launch of the association. Photo Credit: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak)

Sarawak has launched the Asia Pacific Association of Veterinary Parasitology (APAVP) – a groundbreaking milestone for the field of veterinary science – at the 21st International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM).

As the legacy of the 22nd Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) Congress and the 21st ICTMM, the association aims to advance the science, education, and awareness of veterinary parasitology, vector- borne diseases and parasitic zoonosis in Asia.

The APAVP will aim to be a leading platform for networking and collaboration among veterinarians, scientists, students, industry partners, government agencies in Asian countries, and international organisations with an interest in the region.

Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Director of the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, said the launch of the association came from the rise of health crises including monkeypox, rabies, and other zoonotic diseases.

“These outbreaks and disease transmissions threaten Malaysia’s public health and economic trade,” he said. “We need more experts in the field of veterinary parasitology to avoid any negative impacts on Sarawak’s development.”

The APAVP’s upcoming initiatives are:

  1. Public education and awareness programmes on zoonotic parasitic infections
  2. Capacity building and training for students, veterinarians, diagnosticians and academics
  3. Engagement with government agencies for the prevention and control of parasitic diseases
  4. Policy development and best practice guidelines for the usage of parasitic drugs in companion animals and livestock
  5. Surveillance of parasitic diseases and zoonoses in the region
  6. Collaboration with international agencies for regional policy development

“We are proud supporters of both the 22nd FAVA Congress and 21st ICTMM and incredibly proud to see how far the organisers have come in their legacy journey,” Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).

“This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the real impact of business events and the legacies they create. The formation and launch of the APAVP is a prime example of how achievable and within reach a convention legacy is.”