second waba conference
24-26 November 2026
Second WABA Conference
After the hugely successful first WABA conference in Barcelona, we are delighted to invite you to take part in the
second international conference of the World Animal Biosecurity Association (WABA), taking place in Ghent,
Belgium, in November 2026.
This landmark event will bring together over 250 leading experts, decision-makers, and professionals from across the globe, all united by a shared commitment to advancing biosecurity in animals.
Registration is now OPEN
Abstract submission is closed
Check out our BURSARIES
Important dates
| First call for abstracts | 20/02/2026 |
| Opening registration module | 04/05/2026 |
| Closing abstract submission | 15/06/2026 |
| Communication acceptance of oral and poster presentations | 15/07/2026 |
| End of early bird registration | 15/09/2026 |
Preliminary Programme
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Opening day – 24/11/2026
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Day 1 – 25/11/2026
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Day 2 – 26/11/2026
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 7:40 – 8:40 | Closed meeting of the Scientific and Information Committee (SIC) of the WABA | Note: only for the members of the SIC |
| 8:00 – 8:40 | Registration | |
| 8:40 – 9:00 | Welcome | Prof. J. Dewulf & Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine |
| 9:00 – 9:45 | Keynote: Biosecurity and livestock environmental impact: a win-win situation? | Prof. Ilias Kyriazakis |
| 9:45 – 10:30 | Keynote: Strengthening dairy farm biosecurity in LMICs: a One Health strategy for sustainable livestock production | Prof. Pankaj Dhaka |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee break with posters | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Selected oral presentations | |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30 – 15:00 | Selected oral presentations | |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee break with posters | |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | BIOSECURE presentations | |
| 19.00 – ….. | Social dinner and party |
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 9:00 – 9:45 | Keynote: Integrated sciences to improve aquaculture biosecurity assessment | Dr. Maria Fernanda De La Cruz |
| 9:45 – 10:30 | Keynote: Judging and communicating the value of biosecurity programs for poultry | Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, DACPV |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Coffee break with posters | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Selected oral presentations | |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30 – 14:10 | Flash talks | |
| 14:10 – 14:40 | FAO activities related to biosecurity | |
| 14:40 – 15:20 | Platinum sponsor presentations | |
| 15:20 – 15:50 | Coffee break with posters | |
| 15:50 – 16:50 | WABA AGM | |
| 16:50 – 17:00 | Oral and poster prize | |
| 17:00 – 17:15 | Closure of the meeting | |
| 17:15 | End of conference |
Conference sponsors
Sponsorship & partnership opportunities
WABA Annual meeting offers unique sponsorship opportunities for organisations to showcase their brand and connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. Sponsors will gain high-visibility exposure, on-site recognition, and networking sessions.
Where to stay?
The conference will take place at this address: Handelsbeurs, Kouter 29 Ghent.
Below you can find the list of suggested hotels within walking distance from the conference venue. (All delegates are responsible for their own hotel bookings).
Or check out the interactive map below to have a detailed overview of all hotel suggestions with clickable locations.
Bringing together experts to advance animal biosecurity