Co-hosted by the USDA’s Avian Diseases and Oncology Laboratory (ADOL) and Michigan State University, the 2014 symposium will mark the 10th time since 1978 that industry experts from around the world have convened to study ways to prevent some of the most challenging and costly poultry diseases. Veterinarians, researchers, and epidemiologists will convene to discuss the epidemiology and diagnosis, host genomics and genetic resistance, molecular virology, immunology, pathogenesis, vaccines and prevention Marek’s and other avian herpesvirus.

Marek’s disease, a potentially fatal virus that primarily affects chickens, was the original focus of the 1978 symposium. The symposium now addresses additional avian herpesviruses (such as infectious laryngo tracheitis or ILT) that in recent years have posed an economic threat to the poultry industry. The symposium is held every other year to give field researchers and experts an opportunity to share their latest findings and observations – a function that grows increasingly important as poultry becomes an affordable source of animal protein in more diets around the world.

Aviagen’s support for the 2014 symposium, which includes a special reception for attendees, continues the company’s long collaboration with organizations throughout the industry whose efforts are dedicated to advancements in poultry health, diagnosis, welfare and biosecurity. Dr Gregorio “Greg” Rosales, Aviagen’s vice president of veterinary services, also served as chairman of the symposium’s fundraising committee.

Dr Rosales said: “At Aviagen, we recognise our responsibility as an industry leader to do everything we can to promote the health and well-being of the birds we in our care. It’s an honour for us to help sponsor this prestigious scientific event, and to acknowledge the seminal contributions of ADOL, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary at this event.”

Further Reading

Find out more information on Marek's disease by clicking here.