On 7–8 October 2026, the 10th anniversary edition of the International Scientific Conference “Parasites at the Wildlife and Domestic Interface – Challenges for Public Health” was held at the National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB). The Organising Committee was chaired by Dr hab. Ewa Bilska-Zając. The conference was meticulously prepared, both in terms of its scientific programme and organisation.
The event brought together representatives of government administration, the Veterinary Inspection, the State Sanitary Inspection, the scientific and diagnostic communities, veterinary professionals and the hunting community. More than 240 participants from Croatia, Lithuania, Germany, France, Italy and Poland attended the conference, which featured presentations by 10 international and 17 Polish speakers.
The conference addressed important issues related to the occurrence of zoonotic parasites in wild and domestic animals, i.e. parasites that can be transmitted from animals to humans and cause parasitic diseases. Numerous presentations highlighted the latest research findings, parasite detection techniques and methods of preventing zoonotic diseases. Discussions also covered the spread of parasites associated with the migration of native and non-native animal species, as well as ongoing climate change. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of raising public awareness of food safety risks, as improving consumer awareness is one of the most effective ways of preventing infections.
Dr Katarzyna Nadolna-Ałtyn from the Department of Fisheries Resources at NMFRI was invited by the organisers to deliver a presentation entitled “From the Sea to the Plate: Invisible Passengers – Anisakidae”.
During her presentation, Dr Nadolna-Ałtyn discussed the results of research conducted at NMFRI on the occurrence of zoonotic nematodes of the family Anisakidae in commercially important fish species, including cod, herring, sprat, salmon, flounder and garfish, caught in Polish marine waters.
The presentation highlighted the spread of Anisakidae nematodes in the southern Baltic Sea, the factors contributing to their distribution, potential risks to consumers and ways of minimising the risk of anisakiasis. The findings attracted considerable interest from both experts conducting similar research in the Mediterranean and North Sea regions and consumers. This interest demonstrates the importance of NMFRI’s research on fish and the Anisakidae nematodes they harbour, as well as the need to continue and expand these studies.
Photo: Dr Katarzyna Nadolna-Ałtyn from the Department of Fisheries Resources at NMFRI.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest research findings, exchange experiences and establish national and international contacts that may lead to future scientific cooperation.
Further information about the conference “Parasites at the Wildlife and Domestic Interface – Challenges for Public Health” is available at: https://konferencjaparazyty2026.pl/
Dr Katarzyna Nadolna-Ałtyn with the conference organisers
Dr Katarzyna Nadolna-Ałtyn delivering her presentation
