On 21 November, FABI hosted the 2^nd Annual Meeting of the Sporidesmin-Induced Liver Disease (SILD) Programme. The event, Chaired by Dr Neriman Yilmaz, served as a dynamic platform for Milk SA's Board and University of Pretoria collaborators to discuss and debate their efforts focussed on developing innovative solutions for Facial eczema, which is a significant challenge to livestock health.

The meeting featured presentations by Dr Neriman Yilmaz and PhD student Ms. Jenna Lee Price, who outlined the substantial progress that has been made by the SILD Programme. These presentations focused on Pseudopithomyces chartarum and its mycotoxin, Sporidesmin. Dr Anthony Davis from Humansdorp Veterinary Clinic contributed valuable insights regarding  the prevalence of SILD in affected regions.

FABI scientists, Prof. Mike Wingfield and Prof. Cobus Visagie, Dr Heinz Meissner from Milk SA, and Prof. Jan Myburg from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science attended the meeting. Their contributions enriched the discussions and provided valuable perspectives to guide the programme's direction.

Earlier in the day, FABI team members joined an international online meeting "Facial eczema research and opportunities for collaboration", organized by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. This meeting, Chaired by Dr Suzi Keeling, Head of Science and Research at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, brought together researchers from New Zealand, South Africa, France, Portugal, and Spain, highlighting progress of New Zealand's Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts programme.  A lively Q&A session followed where opportunities for global research collaboration on Facial eczema were discussed.