On 4 ̶ 6th December 2024, the staff of the Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees organized a conference of the Central and Eastern European branches of the EAFP. The conference was focused on the health issues of fish in inland aquaculture and open waters. The conference was held at the castle in Křtiny under the auspices of the Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology of the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno and the Mendel University in Brno. It was the first meeting of these EAFP branches ever. The opening was attended by the mayor of Křtiny and by important representatives of Mendel University  ̶  the director of the Training Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest and the vice-rector for Strategy, Sustainability and Special Purpose. On the first day of the conference, 26 lectures and 11 posters were presented. On the second day, there was a workshop focused on current trends in the field.

The representative premises of the castle and the quality of the technical equipment contributed to pleasant mood of the event. On the first day of the conference, a social evening took place, which was enlivened by the performance of a dulcimer band and demonstrations of folk dances. The last day was devoted to an excursion to a breeding facility for salmonid fish. 

One of the greatest benefits of the conference was the interesting expert lectures that covered a wide range of topics. A total of 39 participants took part in the conference. The Czech Republic was represented by 27 participants, 12 other participants came from Poland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Denmark and Albania.

Feedbacks from conference participants were very positive. The conference brought new insights, interesting discussions and opportunities for professional growth. Many participants appreciated the opportunity to make contacts and discuss new opportunities for cooperation. We hope that this conference has started a new tradition of meeting experts concerned with the health issues of freshwater fish.