Sixth International Symposium on Fish Parasites
By Dr Nico Smit (RAU)
After successfully hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup & 2003 Cricket World Cup, South Africa’s bid for hosting the Sixth International Symposium on Fish Parasite could not be ignored! Even with stiff competition from Scotland, the Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State (UFS) won the right to host this prestigious symposium in Bloemfontein. So during September 2003 the world of fish parasitology descended on Bloemfontein for a week of intense academic discussions, exchanging of ideas and renewal and establishing of scientific collaborations and friendships. A total of 90 scientists representing 25 countries presented 72 papers and 40 posters. Apart from the normal presentations, symposium goers were also treated to 8 invited lectures, presented by world authorities. Every single topic in fish parasitology was covered, ranging from single cell protozoa, all the different kind of worms imaginable, to crustacean parasites.
The secret lives of every parasitic group were exposed and topics such as taxonomy, biology, pathology and parasite genetics featured regularly. Attention was also given to the impact of parasites on aquaculture and treatment there of. The variety and quality of the presentations was a feast for the parasite connoisseur! As you do at these international gatherings, ample time was also spend on informal discussions over a glass of wine during very well organized social function, which included a typical South African "braai" at the Bloemfontein Zoological Gardens and a symposium banquet in the newly build Student Centre. The parasitologist just could not seem to get enough of all these stimulating conversations and even free evenings were spend together, either at the Bloemfontein Waterfront or various other popular Bloemfontein hot spots. Exceptional strong bonds were formed between South African students and their Norwegian and Australian counterparts!
The scientific program was concluded with a very successful confocal microscope workshop presented by the newly established Centre for Confocal & Electron Microscopy on the UFS campus. Sincere congratulations have to be extended to Prof. Jo van As, Prof. Linda Basson, Dr. Liesl van As, Candice Jansen Van Rensburg and Ina Erasmus, who did all South Africans proud in hosting a brilliant symposium! The seventh International Symposium on Fish Parasites will be hosted by Italia in 2007, ARRIVEDERCI!
