WHG AT THE EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF HERPETOLOGY

Earlier this month in Bonn, Germany, the 23rd European Congress of Herpetology was held. This international meeting brought together researchers who study amphibians and reptiles. The attendees could exchange knowledge, present new findings, and share their passion for these remarkable animals. Among the many participants, our Wildlife Health Ghent (WHG) team was well represented!

The WHG team at the 23rd European Congress of Herpetology in Bonn!

A congress is a great opportunity to share results, showcase work, and connect with colleagues from different countries who tackle similar questions. Each WHG member was excited to present and engage in discussions. Here’s an overview of the topics they covered:

• Prof. Frank Pasmans: Exposure to the herbicide 2,4-D increases virulence of a global amphibian pathogen.

• Dr. Léa Fieschi-Méric: Multi-omics approaches to investigate host response to Bsal exposure and determinants of chytridiomycosis severity in Triturus carnifex.

• Eduardo Fernández Meléndez: Co-exposure with the herbicide 2,4-D does not exacerbate Bsal infection in the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex).

• Ellen Blomme: Demography differs between declining and healthy common toad (Bufo bufo) populations.

• Andrea Barbi: Omnipresent herpesvirus infections in common toads (Bufo bufo) do not correlate with population declines.

• Henri Rommel: Population of origin influences early life-history traits in the common toad (Bufo bufo).

• Charles Duchatel: Urodeles under threat: on the impact of the chytrid fungus Bsal on northern crested newt (Triturus cristatus) populations.

• Matteo Di Nicola: Ecological drivers and behavioural traits of ophidiomycosis in dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) from Northern Italy.

We asked a few WHG members to share their thoughts on the congress. Here’s what they had to say:

"The Herpetological Congress has truly been a sensational event. My colleagues delivered presentations of outstanding quality, bravo to them, they can be proud! I also found time to do what I love most: observing reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats. With some colleagues tagging along, we explored areas around Bonn and spotted the barred grass snake.” - Eduardo Fernández Meléndez -

Barred grass snake, Natrix helvetica (© Eduardo Fernández Meléndez)

“I spoke with many people about our ongoing research and exchanged ideas on a variety of topics. The days were filled with presentations, including those from our group, which I enjoyed the most. Looking back, it was a rewarding week, full of interesting talks and inspiring people.” - Ellen Blomme -

Ellen Blomme bringing her Bufo bufo research to life at the congress.

If you’re interested in learning more about the research of our team, you can go to the Glossi and OSSOBufo projects or explore more on our Wildlife Health Ghent website!