The Southern African Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (SASVEPM) is pleased to announce its 23rd Annual Congress, which will take place from 19 - 21 August 2026 at the Sun City Resort, Rustenburg, North West
Hybrid Event (in-person & virtual)
A congress user profile needs to be created in order to register for the congress (If you submitted an abstract use the same profile to register) – https://www.conftool.org/sasvepm2026
Chisoni Mumba is an Associate Professor of Animal Health Economics at the University of Zambia (UNZA), School of Veterinary Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (2008) and a Master of Science in Livestock Economics (2012) from UNZA, and a PhD in Veterinary Science – Animal Health Economics, with a focus on Systems Thinking, from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (2018).
His research interests include Animal Health Economics, Systems Thinking, Economics of Antimicrobial Resistance, Food Safety Risk Assessment, and Participatory Epidemiology. Since joining UNZA in 2012, Prof Mumba has played a key role in academic development, teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has supervised and graduated 3 PhD and 18 Masters students.
He has served as Assistant Dean – Postgraduate, during which he led the transformation of postgraduate education at UNZA. He spearheaded the development of a structured, competency-based doctoral curriculum framework. To improve teaching and learning, he has been instrumental in enhancing e-learning at UNZA, through the development of user manuals and staff training on Moodle, as well as the creation of a postgraduate student information system. Prof Mumba is a member of senate through which has contributed to the development of several policy documents that has transformed teaching, research, consultancy and public life at UNZA.
Prof Mumba has published over 70 papers in peer-reviewed journals. He serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Agriculture and Biomedical Sciences, PLOS ONE, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, among other journals. Prof Mumba has contributed over USD 6 million towards resource mobilization. He is currently involved in building capacity in the economics of AMR intervention in Africa through Fleming Fund and (International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) projects.
In public service, Prof Mumba focuses on transforming the livestock sector through applied research in livestock economics, strategic planning, foresight modeling, and policy advocacy. His work aims to enhance household economies, food safety, and public health. Notably, he has supported the establishment of Milk Collection Centers in Zambia to formalize milk value chains and trained over 100 staff in risk-based inspection at One-Stop border posts in Nakonde, Mwami, and Chirundu districts in order to impact livelihoods through livestock trade facilitation.
Dr Alison Lubisi is a veterinary virologist and senior research leader at the Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR), South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the Medical University of Southern Africa (1998), a Master of Science in Molecular Epidemiology from the University of Pretoria (2005), and a PhD in Veterinary Science from the same institution (2022), with a focus on Rift Valley fever pathogenesis and its implications for animal and public health. She has over 25 years of experience in animal health, infectious disease research, and diagnostic services. She currently serves as Research Team Manager for Diagnostic Services and Acting Senior Manager: Animal Health & Protection, where she leads multidisciplinary programmes encompassing virology, bacteriology, biotechnology, and diagnostic innovation. Her role includes strategic leadership, research development, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of national reference laboratory functions, as well as ensuring compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory frameworks.
Her research interests include viral epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, diagnostic test development and validation, and emerging and transboundary animal diseases. She has extensive experience in high-containment laboratory systems, disease surveillance, and outbreak response, having led and contributed to national, regional, and international disease investigations and capacity-building initiatives across Africa and beyond.
Dr Lubisi is a designated expert for the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in African horse sickness, bluetongue, Rift Valley fever, and sheep and goat pox. She actively contributes to the development and review of international standards, including the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code and Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines. She has also participated in global technical working groups, laboratory networks, and advisory panels addressing transboundary animal diseases and One Health challenges. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in national reference laboratories and has contributed to strengthening veterinary diagnostic capacity, surveillance systems, and policy frameworks. She currently serves on the Ministerial Task Team on Foot and Mouth Disease in South Africa and has been involved in multiple international expert missions, including outbreak investigations, laboratory audits, and training programmes in veterinary diagnostics.
Prof Samson Mukaratirwa is a distinguished veterinary parasitologist, academic leader, and global advocate for One Health approaches, currently serving as Prof of Veterinary Parasitology and Associate Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) in St. Kitts and Nevis. With an extensive career spanning Africa and the Caribbean, he has established an international reputation for advancing research and capacity building in veterinary epidemiology, particularly in the context of zoonotic and neglected parasitic diseases. His work is characterized by its strong interdisciplinary orientation, integrating veterinary science, public health, and environmental perspectives.
His research has focused on the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and control of parasitic infections affecting livestock, wildlife, and humans. Through collaborative projects across sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, he has contributed significantly to improving disease surveillance systems, informing policy, and strengthening regional One Health networks. A central theme in his recent work is the application of digital innovation in veterinary epidemiology. He has actively promoted the use of digital tools, including geospatial analytics, data integration platforms, mobile-based field data collection, and real-time surveillance systems to enhance disease monitoring, outbreak response, and evidence-based decision-making. His leadership in this area reflects a commitment to transforming traditional epidemiological approaches into more responsive, data-driven systems capable of addressing emerging and re-emerging threats at the human-animal-environment interface.
In addition to his research, Prof Mukaratirwa is deeply committed to postgraduate education and mentorship, having supervised numerous graduate students and developing researchers. He has played a key role in curriculum development, including contributions to innovative training programs in One Health and veterinary epidemiology that emphasize digital competencies and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has also held significant academic leadership roles, contributing to institutional research strategy, fostering international partnerships, and supporting capacity building in low- and middle-income countries. His engagement with global networks and initiatives underscores his dedication to advancing equitable access to scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
Sun City Convention Centre
Located on the upper level of Sun Central, the Sun City Convention Centre boasts a selection of boardrooms, breakaway spaces, state-of-the-art technology and dining facilities.
What to Expect: state-of-the-art technology, ultra-modern amenities, hi-tech facilities.
How to make your reservation:
Booking by completing one of the online links below or alternatively, Contact Sun City reservations on 014 557 1000 OR Email sctyres@suninternational.com
• You will receive written confirmation of your booking within 24 hours.
SUN CITY CABANAS
The Cabanas hotel is situated at the Sun City Waterworld Lake, offering guests a contemporary twist and great ‘base’ to explore the resort. As the sun sets over the open spaces and rolling lawns the nights begin at the Cabanas Pool Deck, with chic cocktails and a vibrant island setting.
SUN CITY HOTEL
For 46 years, she has been more than a hotel. She has been a landmark. A stage for unforgettable memories. A host to dreamers, leaders, and legends. Welcome to the Sun City Hotel. Reimagined for a new era.
SUN CITY CASCADES
Named for the waterfalls and calming pools that trickle throughout the property, the 5-star Cascades hotel is an oasis of calm in the midst of the Sun City Resort and in close proximity to all the activities Sun City has to offer.
Veterinary Preventive Medicine for a Changing World: Southern Africa Leads
Where Disease Prevention Meets Innovation
Under this year’s theme, the 23rd annual SASVEPM congress will delve Southern Africa’s innovative strategies, science-driven approaches to predict, prevent and control animal diseases in a changing world with shifting climates, and rapidly evolving animal health challenges.
Is organised under the following sub-themes:
Digital innovation transforming veterinary epidemiology
New technology for disease surveillance and control
Climate change and emerging animal health threats
Impact of climate change on disease patterns
One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance
Integrating strategies across humans, animals, and environments
Building regional capacity for preventive medicine
Collaborative disease prevention in Southern Africa
Vaccine and Preventive technologies
Advances in protection
Foot and Mouth Disease Control in South Africa
What’s working and what isn’t?
Host Spotlight: North West Province
Animal health research conducted in North West Province
Animal Welfare
Prevention through humane handling and stress reduction
Local Success Stories
Successful preventive interventions or unique insights and learning-experiences in a real-world setting that have improved animal health
- 10-minute oral presentations only
- Does not need to follow a scientific format
- Creative presentations encouraged
FINAL ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
All authors are requested to upload a final or revised Word version of their abstract in their ConfTool profile: https://www.conftool.org/sasvepm2026 under “Your submissions” by no later than 29 May 2026. This copy will be printed in the congress proceedings and must contain the presentation title, all authors, their affiliations, and a link to any publications associated with the abstract.
It is strongly advised that you incorporate any reviewer recommendations or revisions into your final abstract. If your abstract was accepted without revisions, you are still required to submit a final Word version which includes these additional details. Remember to check the spelling, grammar, and publication links before uploading the final version.
Abstract format (for all abstracts excluding Local Success Stories)
Please note: you do not have to include the format headings in the abstract. They are for guidance only to ensure you have addressed all sections required.
Title: The title should be concise and clearly reflect the content of your abstract. Use a font size and style that is consistent with the conference guidelines.
Introduction: Provide a brief introduction that outlines the background and context of your research. Clearly state the research question or objective.
Methods: Describe the methods and techniques used in your research. Explain how you conducted the study, collected data, and analysed it. Be concise but provide enough detail for reviewers to understand your approach.
Results: Present the key findings of your research. Use graphs, tables, or other visual aids if applicable and allowed by the conference guidelines. Highlight the most important results and their significance.
Discussion: Interpret the results and discuss their implications. Explain how your findings contribute to the field or address the research question. Discuss any limitations of your study.
Conclusion: Summarize the main conclusions of your research. State the practical or theoretical implications of your work.
Abstract requirements
- The body of the abstract must not exceed a 300-word limit. Key words are not required.
- Use single line spacing.
- Tables, figures, or images are permitted.
- Use Arial, font size 12 throughout the abstract. Abstracts must be fully justified, free of typographical and grammatical errors.
- Standard abbreviations may be used for common terms only. Otherwise, any abbreviation should be given in brackets after the first full use of the word. Abbreviations may be used in the title, provided the name in full is outlined in the body of the abstract.
- It is the author’s responsibility to ensure the title, author and affiliation details entered in the paper submission site are correct and exactly as they should be published on the abstract and all congress materials.
- It is the presenter’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary consent/permission to present the research has been received from any additional authors, prior to the congress.
ORAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
Presentation
-
- The time given for oral presentation is 15 minutes only, then 5 minutes for questions.
- Note that the audience usually reads the text on a slide before they listen to the speaker. We advise that you:
- Minimise the text on the slides to essential information only.
- Keep it simple.
- Avoid reading out loud the text as it is on the slides.
- Practice your oral presentation thoroughly before hand to make sure the timing is correct.
- All finalised presentations must be uploaded through the link provided on your ConfTool profile under the correct abstract by no later than 31 July 2026. Please name your file as follows: “AbstractID_Surname_Initial” (e.g. “321_Tlou_L”).
- Presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint format or pdf (if there are no animations).
Content
- It is important to take note of the sub-theme to which you have been assigned. Your presentation will be strengthened by emphasising how your research links/contributes to this topic.
- Please include a key message slide at end of the presentation. This should highlight the main relevance of your project and the practical application of your findings.
- We recommend that you limit the total number of slides based on the time that you are allocated. Budget approximately 1 minute per slide.
- With pictures, it is advised to put no more than 2 per slide for good visibility.
- Make sure any graphs or charts are easy to understand. Check that the captions are large enough read from a distance.
- Avoid animations and videos unless they are essential to the presentation.
- If you must include a video, it is up to you to make sure that it is set up correctly to play. Please inform VetLink if there is a video in your presentation, upload it on ConfTool in addition to your presentation by 31 July 2026.
- Referencing, consent for images or tables should be available on request.
Text and Layout Recommendations
- Plain white background and black text for presentations
- Font sizes: Title 40, Subtitle 30, Text 28.
- A large font is recommended so all text is legible.
- Use the same font throughout the presentation.
- Maximum of 7 lines of text per slide. Preferably bullet lists with short sentences.
- Use italics or bold to emphasise certain words or phrases.
- Remember to check the spelling before sending in the final version.
LOCAL SUCCESS STORY (LSS) ORAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
This sub-theme is aimed at para-veterinarians or newly qualified veterinarians who may not be able to contribute a piece of research but can share successful approaches to their local problems and how overcoming these obstacles has had a positive impact on animal health. These stories can be aligned to any of the main themes or stand apart.
We are specifically looking for local success stories that highlight successful preventive interventions or provide unique insights and experiences which we can learn from to translate success into practice in a real-world, African setting. Only oral presentations will be considered and limited to 10 minutes, with a few minutes for questions at the end. Creative presentations are encouraged.
Abstract requirements
- Abstract format (only for LSS) should be a short descriptive paragraph not exceeding 250 words.
- Scientific format headings (introduction, methods etc.) are not required.
- Use single line spacing.
- Tables, figures, or images are permitted.
- Use Arial, font size 12 throughout the abstract. Abstracts must be fully justified, free of typographical and grammatical errors.
- Standard abbreviations may be used for common terms only. Otherwise, any abbreviation should be given in brackets after the first full use of the word. Abbreviations may be used in the title, provided the name in full is outlined in the body of the abstract.
- It is the author’s responsibility to ensure the title, author and affiliation details entered in the paper submission site are correct and exactly as they should be published on the abstract and all congress materials.
- It is the presenter’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary consent/permission to present the research has been received from any additional authors, prior to the congress.
Presentation
- The time given for oral presentation is 10 minutes only, then 3 minutes for questions.
- Note that the audience usually reads the text on a slide before they listen to the speaker. We advise that you:
- Minimise the text on the slides to essential information only.
- Keep it simple.
- Avoid reading out loud the text as it is on the slides.
- Practice your oral presentation thoroughly before hand to make sure the timing is correct.
- All finalised presentations must be uploaded through the link provided on your ConfTool profile under the correct abstract by no later than 31 July 2026. Please name your file as follows: “AbstractID_Surname_Initial” (e.g. “321_Tlou_L”).
- Presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint format or pdf (if there are no animations).
Content
- Your presentation must emphasise why this is a success story. What positive effects have the events described had on health and the community? See the description in Scientific Programme Sub-theme descriptions above for more details.
- We recommend that you limit the total number of slides based on the time that you are allocated. Budget approximately 1 minute per slide, i.e. no more than 10 slides.
- Be creative and positive!
- We recommend having lots of pictures to enhance the narrative.
- With pictures, it is advised to put no more than 2 per slide for good visibility.
- Make sure any graphs or charts are easy to understand if they are included. Check that the captions are large enough read from a distance.
- If you must include a video, it is up to you to make sure that it is set up correctly to play. Please inform VetLink if there is a video in your presentation, upload it on ConfTool in addition to your presentation by 31 July 2026.
- Referencing, consent for images or tables should be available on request if any are included.
Text and Layout Recommendations
- Plain white background and black text for presentations
- Font sizes: Title 40, Subtitle 30, Text 28.
- A large font is recommended so all text is legible.
- Use the same font throughout the presentation.
- Maximum of 7 lines of text per slide. Preferably bullet lists with short sentences.
- Use italics or bold to emphasise certain words or phrases.
- Remember to check the spelling before sending in the final version.
POSTER PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
- Poster presenters must print their own posters and bring them to the congress.
- The maximum poster size allowable is A1 (594mm x 841mm).
- Orientation: portrait only
- Posters must be printed on 170-200 gsm paper.
- Posters may be laminated, but this is not required.
- Poster should not be printed on material.
- Poster boards and the means to attach them will be provided by SASVEPM.
- Presenters must ensure that all text is large enough and clearly legible. Images, tables, and graphs should be high resolution, and quality must be sufficient for the size of poster selected.
- For our virtual poster booklet, all finalised posters must be uploaded through the link provided on your ConfTool profile under the correct abstract by no later than 31 July 2026. Please name your file: “AbstractID_Surname_Initial” (e.g. “321_Tlou_L”).
- Each poster will be on display for one day during the congress.
- Presenters will be notified of which poster presentation day they are allocated. Each poster presenter must stand by their poster and present it to interested audience members during the 30-minute poster session of their allocated day in the program.
- If a presenter is not there during their allocated poster session, then they will not be considered for the “Best Poster Presentation” prize.
- SASVEPM does not specify poster presentation formats, but templates are available online (click here for examples).
If you have any questions regarding the abstract or presentation guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact the SASVEPM Secretary, Dr Tandile Ndobeni, secretary@sasvepm.org.
If you have any questions or problems regarding congress registration, payments, acceptance letters, abstract or presentation submissions please do not hesitate to contact our Vetlink event manager, Mrs Katlego Ledwaba, conferences@vetlink.co.za
Our Sponsors
For enquiries, please contact the Conference Organiser – Vetlink.
Email: Conferences@vetlink.co.za
Telephone: 012 346 1590
