Image: Christian Stemper/Wientourismus

Dear EAFP members and colleagues,

We are delighted to announce the 20th Joint Conference of the German, Austrian and Swiss Branches of the European Association of Fish Pathologists e.V. (EAFP). It will take place from 6th to 9th October 2026 in Vienna, Austria, at the conference hotel Regina.

An optional excursion on 10 October 2026 will offer participants the opportunity to experience Vienna beyond the conference setting. We will explore a selected Viennese highlight, combined with a visit to the Danube Island, where participants will gain insights into a sturgeon conservation initiative. This visit will offer a closer look at current efforts to protect and restore these remarkable species in their natural habitat.

The scientific programme, entitled “Changes in aquatic animal health – sustainability, innovation and responsibility in research and practice” will highlight current developments and challenges in the field. The meeting will focus on diagnosis, pathogenesis, prophylaxis, prevention and treatment of diseases in food and ornamental fish and other aquatic organisms. The programme will also include case studies, advances in disease control, animal welfare in aquaculture and aspects relevant to fisheries. Particular emphasis is placed on sustainable production and the innovations that support it.

The conference language will primarily be German. All contributions presented at the conference will be published in a conference volume.

Supporting early-career scientists is an important objective of this meeting. Therefore, the best posters and presentations by young researchers will be awarded the Wilhelm Schäperclaus Promotion Prize, on the 8th of October during the social evening at a Viennese wine tavern.

Further information, including the extended programme, registration details, payment, and accommodation options can be found on the conference website: https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/eafp2026

Abstracts for oral and poster contributions should be submitted via email (EAFP2026Vienna@vetmeduni.ac.at), using the template available on the webpage.

We look forward to welcoming you in Vienna.

With kind regards,
The Organization Committee
Dr. med. vet. Oliver Hochwartner
Hella Schwegler
Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. vet. Eva Lewisch
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Astrid Holzer