Tularemia International Society

Dear colleagues,

The development of an international tularemia society is currently proposed, with the goal to bring together people interested in tularemia to facilitate knowledge and exchange of information about this fascinating disease and its causative agent Francisella tularensis. To discuss the first steps for setting up such a society, two meetings were held in Berlin in July and October 2008. These gatherings were supported by WHO and Robert Koch Institute on behalf of the German Ministry of Health. All participating colleagues agreed to proceed with the intention to develop an international society.  The name of the organisation was proposed “Tularemia International Society”. Aims and statutes of the future society were discussed and the following identified:

• Provide an international forum for exchange of knowledge on all aspects of tularemia bringing together interested clinicians, microbiologists, veterinarians, ecologists, entomologists, epidemiologists, basic science researchers, specialists and organizations
• Develop and advise on common standards and norms including: clinical and laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology, field and outbreak investigations, research and development, proficiency testing, and external quality assurance programs
• Convene meetings and conferences of international and regional nature. Convene international general assembly meetings at least every 3 years and other meetings and consultations as determined by Steering Group
• Provide a means to convene appropriate specialists to provide information, education, training, and serve as a ready resource in case of specific needs and emergencies
• Identify and encourage / facilitate collaborative work to address innovative and interesting objectives as well as training with particular emphasis on projects of  multidisciplinary nature
• Develop and maintain web page, for rapid communication and dissemination of new developments as well as educational / informational purposes. This international society could serve to link various related activities to share with others

It is intended to officially launch this society at the 6th International Conference on Tularemia to be held Sept 13-16, 2009, in Berlin. Anyone interested in participating in this society is most welcome and encouraged to attend the session at the 6th International Conference. Please, let us know if you will be able to attend the first constituting session of the Tularemia International Society during the 6th International Conference on Tularemia.
(Contact person: Roland Grunow, please contact our secretary Anna Rohleder, e-mail: RohlederA@rki.de)