In April 2011, leading experts in the field of canine parasitic infections gathered to present and discuss their research at the 6th Symposium of Canine Vector-borne Diseases (CVBD).Parasites & Vectorshas published aseriesof articles from delegates of the Symposium, highlighting and discussing the latest findings in the field.

The articles in the series explore various aspects of canine parasitic diseases, including the continued spread ofsome parasitic diseases e.g.tick-borne encephalitis virus;research into possibletherapeutic targetsand the development ofdiagnostic tools.There is also evidence to show that, in some cases, canines have evolved mechanisms to resist parasitic invasion. For example,Barend Penzhornreviews how dogs descended from wild Africancanidshave evolved some degree of resistance or tolerance to the protozoans that cause babesiosis – a disease that can cause malaria-like symptoms.

Research into zoonotic parasitic disease is important for, and can be translated to, human medicine, as promoted by the‘One Health’concept. This is addressed in areviewof the five most significant parasitic infections that infect humans and dogs.

Talks from the meeting and further information about the symposium can be viewed on theCVBDwebsite.