The University of Kentucky (UK) Gluck Equine Research Center will host the fifth and final year of a USDA-NIFA-AFRI (National Institute of Food and Agriculture-Agriculture and Food Research Initiative) grant awarded in 2012 and titled, "Identification of genetic factors responsible for establishment of equine arteritis virus carrier state in stallions," on Nov. 10 at the Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington, Kentucky.

Udeni Balasuriya, PhD, MS, BVSc, Schlaikjer Professor of Equine Infectious Disease at the Gluck Center, received the grant. Equine viral arteritis (EVA) outbreaks result in significant economic losses to the equine industry due to high rates of foal loss in pregnant mares, death in young foals, and carrier state establishment in stallions. The virus is maintained in the equine population between breeding seasons by persisting in carrier stallions.

This year’s symposium will focus on the outcomes of the various research studies undertaken as part of the grant. Several internationally recognized scientists who have contributed to research in infectious diseases, immunology, host response to infectious agents and vaccines, and global spread of arthropod-borne diseases of horses and other livestock species will speak at the symposium.

This symposium is for equine veterinarians, farm managers, extension staff, equine scientists, equine industry leaders, horse owners, scientists from other departments on campus, faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students