WDA and Davis-Thompson Foundation Wildlife Pathology Workshop

This is a full-day, case-based histopathology workshop jointly supported by the Wildlife Disease Association and the Davis–Thompson Foundation. It is designed for wildlife pathologists, diagnosticians, veterinarians, trainees, and wildlife professionals with an interest in disease mechanisms and diagnostic pathology in wildlife species.

The workshop begins with a keynote lecture on some aspect of wildlife pathology or wildlife disease investigation. The remainder of the day is dedicated to an interactive histopathology conference centered on participant-submitted cases. Contributed cases cover a broad range of infectious, toxic, parasitic, and neoplastic disease processes, reflecting the diversity and complexity of conditions encountered in this field.

Participants who submit cases provide histopathology slides along with a standardized written case synopsis that includes signalment, history, and gross findings. Prior to the workshop, whole slide images and limited case information are distributed to registered participants as unknowns, allowing independent microscopic evaluation, lesion interpretation, and formation of differential diagnoses in advance of the meeting.

During the workshop, case contributors present their cases using a structured presentation format that integrates histopathologic findings with gross lesions and ancillary diagnostic results. Each case presentation concludes with a final diagnosis and a focused discussion of pathogenesis, diagnostic challenges, epidemiologic context, and implications for wildlife health, surveillance, and conservation.

Refreshments are provided at the breaks. Lunch is independent of the workshop, though there is scheduled time for participants to travel to one of the nearby restaurants.

Comprehensive workshop proceedings are provided to participants and include case synopses, finalized diagnoses, discussion points, and access to whole-slide images for continued review and educational use after the meeting. The workshop emphasizes active learning, diagnostic reasoning, and collegial discussion, making it valuable for both experienced diagnosticians and trainees seeking advanced exposure to wildlife disease pathology.

REGISTRATION: $150

CONTACT: wda2026@wildlifedisease.org