Poultry Health Congress Attracted Global Attention

The 16th World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) Congress was held in the historic city of Marrakech in Morocco in November 2009, reports Jackie Linden, editor of ThePoultrySite. Record attendance reflected the growing global interest in poultry health, as well as the attractions of the location, the historic city of Marrakech.
calendar icon 15 February 2010
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Fifty years ago, in 1959, the first conference was held by the then newly formed World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA). From those early beginnings, few would have imagined that in 2009, the 16th WVPA Congress would be such a resounding success.

The latest Congress, which took place at the Palais des Congrès in the second week of November, achieved a record attendance of more than 1,400 delegates from 85 countries across the world. The highest attendance was from Morocco (136 delegates), followed by France (101) and Egypt (93).

The Congress took place under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and the Minister of Agriculture attended the opening ceremony.

In seven plenary sessions over the four-day event, there were 16 keynote lectures, 158 oral presentations and 143 posters. The most important topic from the number of presentations was the group of viral diseases but bacteria (both those in poultry and those causing food safety concerns) as well as parasites were well covered in the programme. In addition, three workshops – one organised by Merial – held on the day prior to the Congress each attracted between 25 and 40 participants.

For the success of the Congress, credit and congratulations should go to the local organisers, led by Professor Benothmane (president of the WVPA Congress) and Professor El Houadfi (chairman of the national scientific committee), as well as the WVPA officials led by its president, Professor Hafez.

The organisers acknowledged the many companies that supported the event, particularly the three premium sponsors, Merial, CEVA Animal Health and Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health. All were present in the adjoining exhibition area, which was a centre for lively debate and business discussions throughout the Congress.

Further Reading

- You can view other reports from events organised by Merial at the WVPA Congress 2009 by clicking here.


February 2010

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