Chile to Host the First World Conference on SRS Organized by INCAR²

On November 10–11, 2026, Puerto Varas will become a meeting point for researchers, producers, authorities, and representatives of civil society at the International Conference on Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome (SRS2026), organized by the INCAR² Center. This event—the first of its kind worldwide dedicated exclusively to this disease—will seek to integrate science, industry, and public policy in order to move toward more sustainable salmon farming with reduced sanitary, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts.

Between November 10 and 11, 2026, the city of Puerto Varas, Chile, will host the International Conference on Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome (SRS2026) — Integrating Science, Industry and Policy for Sustainable Salmon Aquaculture.

The event, organized by the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research – Applied Research (INCAR²), will bring together researchers, industry professionals, regulatory authorities, and representatives of civil society with the aim of creating an interdisciplinary platform to present and discuss the latest advances in piscirickettsiosis, including new technologies, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic strategies, and their environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

Salmon Rickettsial Septicaemia (SRS), caused by Piscirickettsia salmonis, is the most devastating infectious disease affecting salmon farming in Chile, accounting for nearly 70% of mortality due to infectious causes. However, in recent years it has also been detected in other salmon-producing countries in Europe, causing mortalities in farmed fish. Its impact is critical, leading to significant economic losses, reducing export competitiveness, and forcing intensive use of antibiotics.

“Considering the importance of this international conference and the fact that it will take place in one of Chile’s main salmon-producing regions, I would like to invite researchers, producers, and industry suppliers from all countries facing this challenge to save the date and take part in the International Conference SRS2026 organized by the INCAR² Center. We look forward to welcoming you on November 10 and 11 in Puerto Varas, Chile, to share knowledge, science, and solutions for the future of salmon farming,” said Dr. Ruben Avendaño-Herrera, Academic at Andrés Bello University and Alternate Director of INCAR².

The program of the international conference—the first ever held on SRS—will include thematic modules and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening the health and sustainability of salmon farming at a global level.

For more information, please contact Dr. Valentina Valenzuela, principal investigator of INCAR² and member of the event’s Scientific Committee for the SRS 2026 International Conference: valevalenzuela@udec.cl