13th Leipzig Veterinary Congress impresses with diversity and record numbers
Professional training, personal exchange and a new record: the 13th Leipzig Veterinary Congress attracted 7,400 veterinarians, veterinary assistants and students. 580 speakers shared the latest findings from science, research and practice. At the same time, 352 exhibitors from 20 countries presented their products, services and technologies for everyday veterinary practice at the sold-out vetexpo europe.
"The past three days have impressively demonstrated how innovative, vibrant and multifaceted veterinary medicine is. The large turnout, the high quality of the contributions and the intensive discussions have once again made the Leipzig Veterinary Congress a place of shared knowledge where ideas are developed together. My special thanks go to all the speakers and chairpersons who shaped and significantly contributed to this congress with their expertise and commitment," summarises Prof. Dr. Uwe Truyen, Congress President and Director of the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health at Leipzig University.
Martin Buhl-Wagner, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe, adds: "The Leipzig Veterinary Congress thrives on the interplay between scientific discourse and practical innovation. vetexpo europe has made this connection visible – as a place where research, industry and practice come together. The fact that the event has grown once again and gained international appeal encourages us to further expand Leipzig as a leading location for animal health."
Knowledge forum of diversity
580 speakers, including over 100 international scientists, contributed their expertise in lectures, courses, discussion panels and interactive formats. Over three days, the content ranged from specialised topics such as animal dentistry and feeding in sport horses, epilepsy in dogs, cats and ferrets, and errors in parrot breeding, to overarching issues. These included violence prevention in veterinary practices and current animal welfare projects in Germany and the EU.
Vision for teaching: international perspectives on training
The European Conference on Veterinary and Medical Education was held in Leipzig for the first time. Experts from nine countries, including Brazil, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Slovenia and Hungary, highlighted current challenges in veterinary education. The focus was on international comparison of training models, the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning processes, and the question to which extent animals are necessary in training. The aim of the conference was to discuss new didactic approaches, further develop tried-and-tested concepts and strengthen international dialogue, also with a view to closer networking between European training locations.
Popular meeting place with strong reach
Full halls, lively interest and lots of positive feedback characterised this year's congress. The high acceptance was also confirmed in the participant survey: 93 per cent of participants would recommend the congress to others. Trade visitors travelled from all over the DACH region and beyond. In total, guests came from 40 countries.
Trade fair full of activity
vetexpo europe was characterised by great dynamism on all three days: vibrant activity at the stands, numerous product demonstrations and a stimulating exchange of ideas at the trade fair. Many exhibitors presented the latest products and services for everyday veterinary practice, from surgical and practice equipment to digital applications.
It was particularly evident how artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies are increasingly gaining a foothold in veterinary medicine. Among other things, AI telephone assistants and smart practice management systems were on display, conveying a picture of the current state of technology in the industry.
"Leipzig Veterinary Congress exceeded our expectations. It is the central forum for our industry – a place where passion for animal health is visible. This year, it became clear that animal health thrives on a strong ecosystem – supported by the veterinary community, science, politics and industry. Only together can we truly shape challenges," emphasises Sandra Quintero, Managing Director of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH.
CAREER CORNER as a talent factory
Once again, the vetjobs24 CAREER CORNER proved to be a central point of contact for young veterinarians. It offered guidance, personal discussions and new perspectives for the next career step.
"Our first Leipzig Veterinary Congress convinced us," says Felix Hamke, owner of BlueVet Tierarztpraxis GmbH. "The presentation in the CAREER CORNER at vetexpo europe proved to be an interesting opportunity to attract young talent to our practice at an early stage: many students were interested in our internships, and one or two experienced colleagues also took notice of us. We'll be back in two years – the mix of large companies and smaller providers, combined with great networking opportunities, is a strong concept."
Hands-on technologies
The special exhibition demonstrated how veterinary medicine and agricultural technology can interact in a forward-looking way. The eye-catcher was the truck from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Leipzig University, which serves as a mobile large animal clinic. Numerous visitors came to find out about the equipment and its possible applications. On board was telemedicine technology that transmits veterinary data in real time directly from the vehicle to the clinic via VR glasses.
With the "Mobile Barn", Leipzig University brought an innovative showroom for smart technologies in agriculture and livestock farming to the trade fair. Visitors who stepped through the door were able to test prototype VR glasses that visualise animal health data directly in the barn. The concept was complemented by autonomous drone technology: a spreading and spraying drone for viticulture and a thermal drone that records heat data to track grazing animals or detects weeds.
Encounter in the DACH region
The reception for veterinarians from abroad on 16 January was a special sign of international solidarity. In an open and collegial atmosphere, the opportunity was taken to cultivate contacts, exchange experiences and discuss common topics across national borders. Among the guests were Kurt Frühwirth, President of the Austrian Veterinary Chamber, and Roberto Mossi, President of the Swiss Veterinary Association.
Save the Date
14th Leipzig Veterinary Congress will take place from 20 to 22 January 2028, concurrently with PARTNER PFERD at Leipziger Messe.
