Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the past three AAVM conferences held in Helsinki, Ottawa, and Orlando we are now preparing for the Fourth International Conference on Antimicrobial Agents in Veterinary Medicine (AAVM), to be held in Prague, Czech Republic, August 24-28, 2008. Antimicrobial therapy has been and will stay one of the most important fields in veterinary pharmacology. This is true for farm animals as well as for companion animals. Food safety has been brought to the forefront of farm animal therapy. The new therapeutic and regulatory challenges have emphasized the need for in depth knowledge of correct use of antimicrobials. While fewer new antimicrobial molecules reach the market, more intelligent use of the existing molecules must be found.

The AAVM conference will endeavor to meet these challenges by providing an optimal environment for dialogue amongst the leading scientists in the field. The conference will provide an opportunity for the presentation and exchange of research and the communication of new ideas.

Topics have been selected to cover the scope of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine in the widest possible way. We hope that the conference will convey the present knowledge of antibiotic use in animals in a way that is equally useful to the practitioner as to the scientist. Prague is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Since 1992, the historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. This magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for more than ten centuries. Prague's compact medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and a perfect venue for our conference.

We look forward to welcoming you to Prague in August 2008.

Sincerely

Stefan Soback
Conference Chairman