From March 11 – 13, 2025, the USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (USDA NBAF) and the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases (CEID) at the University of Georgia will co-host a symposium on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) research in the U.S. This symposium will be hybrid, conducted online and in-person at the Manhattan Conference Center in Manhattan, KS.

The symposium will bring together leading experts to present global trends in FMD research and the latest insights on the ecology, epidemiology, and risk assessment implications for the United States.

Participants will:

Engage in two full days of presentations (March 11-12) in a hybrid format;
Participate in an interactive half-day session dedicated to synthesizing and publishing the symposium outcomes (March 13, in-person only);
Network with FMD experts during social events and other networking opportunities throughout the symposium.

Symposium Topics

The symposium will cover a wide range of topics, including:

Pathogenesis and transmission
Diagnostics and immunology
Vaccine development and vaccination strategies
Livestock epidemiology
Wildlife-livestock interface and transmission
Role of livestock trade in FMD spread and control
Quantitative and modeling-based approaches to risk assessment

An anticipated outcome of the symposium is the publication of a synthesis paper in a peer-reviewed journal summarizing key discussions and future research priorities.

Who should attend?

This symposium encourages participation from established researchers, policymakers, and early-career professionals interested in all aspects of FMD policy, ecology, epidemiology, and risk assessment.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Please register only if you are certain of attending, and please inform us if your plans change by contacting Tessa Coughtrey-Davenport.

Important Dates

Registration opens - October 2024

Registration closes - February 21, 2025

Welcome reception - March 10, 2025

Symposium (hybrid format) - March 11-12, 2025

Half-day synthesis (in-person only) - March 13, 2025

Call for Participation

We invite participants to contribute to the symposium by presenting their research, leading a discussion, or facilitating a breakout activity. In particular, we encourage short lightning-round style briefs (5–8 minutes) and presentations from early-career scientists and professionals. If you are interested in playing a more active role in the event, please indicate your interest in the registration form or by contacting Dr. John Humphreys, USDA NBAF.

This is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise and insights with fellow researchers, policymakers, and professionals worldwide. We look forward to your contributions shaping the symposium's discussions and outcomes.

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Location of Symposium

The symposium will be held at the Manhattan Conference Center, 410 South 3^rd Street, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Travel

Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) - Located approximately 5 miles southwest of Manhattan, KS, MHK is served by American Airlines, which offers nonstop flights to Chicago-O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth. The airport is also served by Hertz, Enterprise, and Fox Rental Car companies.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) - Manhattan, KS, is located approximately 130 miles west of Kansas City International Airport (MCI), which is served by all of the major US airlines and car rental companies. I-70 is the primary connection between metro Kansas City and Manhattan, KS. Depending upon traffic, the approximate drive time is 2 hours.

Accommodations

There are two room blocks for the Symposium. Attendees are responsible for booking and payment of accommodation for the Symposium.

The Fairfield Inn is across the street from the Manhattan Conference Center. A block of 25 rooms has been reserved under “FMD Symposium.” To book within this block, please call 785-539-2400 and inform the representative that you are booking with the "FMD Symposium" room block. The reservation deadline for this block is February 8, 2025. The rate is $110 per night. We recommend US Government employees book at the Fairfield Inn as they are able to offer the USG per diem rate for the room nights.
The Hilton Garden Inn is connected to the Manhattan Conference Center. A block of 20 rooms has been reserved under "FMD Symposium" and can be booked by calling 785-532-9116. The rate is $119 per night. Please note this is above the US Government per diem rate.

In addition to reserved accommodations at the Fairfield Inn, there are several hotels within walking distance to the Manhattan Conference Center, including the Candlewood Suites, adjacent to the Conference Center.

FAQs

Are any meals provided during the Symposium?
Symposium organizers are in the planning stage of the March 10 welcome reception. On March 11 & 12, lunch and two coffee breaks will be provided during the Symposium. On March 13, a morning coffee break will be offered.

What is the dress code for the Symposium?
Suggested dress code is business casual.