Call for Abstracts! 74th Annual Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association - July 26-31, 2026 - Chicago, IL, USA

Abstracts close February 13, 2026 - find the abstract themes and submission details on the WDA 2026 website.

The WDA 2026 conference theme is “Thriving Together: Urban One Health and Ecosystem Resiliency”, and with over half of the world’s population living in urban areas, the need to develop conservation plans that work within these urban landscapes and at interfaces has never been greater.

In 2026, accessibility to cutting edge information and strategies addressing earth’s most critical wildlife health issues is a priority. We will also nurture effective science communication to generate proactive, positive policy outcomes and to galvanize the public in support of wildlife conservation initiatives.

The Scientific Program Committee encourages abstracts addressing all aspects of wildlife health and disease for the oral, poster and virtual sessions. In particular, abstracts dealing with urban wildlife and wildlife interfaces as well as science communication are welcome.

This conference will again combine the dual presentation platforms of the in-person and the unique WD2026 Global Voice virtual event that connects wildlife health professionals worldwide across time zones and continents. Hosted by an international team of early-career researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas, this dynamic online platform offers delegates unique hybrid sessions featuring live streamed presentations from the conference floor, exclusive online presentations, and interactive panel discussions on wildlife health and the many ways of learning and managing it.

CE credits will be available for veterinarians and Certified Wildlife Biologists.

Please consider being part of a significant wildlife health event!