The first Animal Biotech Summit will be held September 21-23 in Bethesda, Maryland. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is hosting the event, which will focus on using animal biotechnology to advance the objectives of One Health.

Featured topics include: biotechnology applications and policy issues associated with emerging infectious diseases; animal models of human diseases; food safety; biodefense; agricultural productivity; biodiversity conservation; and animal health and welfare. The summit will feature speakers from industry, academia and government agencies.

BIO said: “A unifying concept that underlies biotechnology research and product development is an appreciation of the oneness of living organisms at a molecular level. That same understanding of biological connectedness drives One Health.

“The One Health approach is rooted in knowledge that the health of humans, animals and the environment are inextricably linked. Activities conducted under the banner of One Health seek to promote and protect the health and well-being of all species.”

“Biotechnology is a set of precise, yet flexible, tools for tackling the web of interconnected problems at the heart of One Health. The tools of biotechnology can advance One Health by contributing insights into the causes of health problems and tactics for addressing them.”