About ICADA
ICADA (International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals) is made up of veterinarians and veterinary dermatologists.
Goals:
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To arrange for the publication of critical reviews on atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions of domestic animal species
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To encourage and foster the development of research projects
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To advance the practice of veterinary dermatology as applied to allergic diseases by encouraging best practice through publications, lectures etc.; developing systems of quality control of laboratory tests relevant to the diagnosis of allergic diseases; and other approaches that may from time to time become appropriate.
History:
The concept of a group devoted to canine atopic dermatitis commenced in 1999, when the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) approved the proposal of establishing the ACVD Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis. The Task Force, first under the chairmanship of Thierry Olivry and then Richard Halliwell, undertook efforts to widely review then-current literature on atopic dermatitis in dogs. This effort culminated in the publication of a special issue of Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology on canine atopic dermatitis in 2001 (Vet Immunol Immunopathol 81: 143-387, 2001). This issue encompassed 24 review articles.
The work was well-received by the veterinary dermatology community. After the completion of the original work, it was decided to continue the Task Force to work on other important areas in canine atopic dermatitis, but also to have the inclusion of an international representation. Thus, the Task Force continued, with an expanded membership, as the International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis (ITFCAD).
As the Task Force efforts evolved, there was clear interest in furthering the development of the discipline of allergy as it affects domestic animal species other than the dog, and also a desire that the group become a permanent Committee rather than a temporary body. Thus the members of ITFCAD voted to dissolve the group as it existed, and merge the membership into a new group called the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA) in 2010.
Support
The ICADA is an affiliate organization of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD), which generously supported the development of this web site and ICADA meetings.