Veterinary School Dean speaks at international small animal congress in China

Professor Zoe Polizopoulou, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nicosia, participated in the 2nd Small Animal Veterinary Specialty Congress in Shenzhen, China, held from July 28–31, 2026.

Organised by the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), the congress brought together veterinary experts and professionals from around the world to promote academic exchange, international collaboration, and showcase advances in small animal clinical practice. The programme featured more than 180 speakers, attracted over 3,000 veterinarians from 12 countries, and hosted around 100 exhibitors.

The scientific programme featured specialty sessions covering veterinary imaging, laboratory diagnostics, anaesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, clinical nutrition, orthopaedics, exotic animal medicine, neurology, dentistry, cardiology, dermatology, feline medicine, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, ophthalmology, endoscopy and interventional procedures, and preventive medicine.

As an invited international speaker, Prof. Polizopoulou delivered two lectures. In her first presentation, she discussed the role of certain cardiac biomarkers – measurable substances in the blood – in detecting myocardial cell injury and supporting the diagnosis and prognosis of heart disease in small animals. Her second presentation explored the European pathway to veterinary specialisation and was attended by more than 40 deans and professors representing over 20 veterinary training institutions across China.

The congress also provided opportunities to engage with veterinarians, researchers and industry experts from around the world, strengthening the School of Veterinary Medicine’s international network and opening avenues for future collaborations in education and research.

Reflecting on the experience, Prof. Polizopoulou said: ‘International scientific collaboration is essential for advancing veterinary medicine and improving the care we provide to animals. This congress offered an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with colleagues from around the world, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.’