The partnership, led by The Pirbright Institute will share and exchange latest research advances, promote collaborations and maximise the use of resources and expertise to progressively control avian diseases around the world.

The UK poultry industry contributes around £3.4 billion to the economy. One of the major challenges for sustainable growth is the continuing threat from avian diseases.

These include a number of viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause major losses in production and pose wide-spread risk to human health.

Leading researchers from across the globe, with a common vision to establish and sustain a research network, will be on hand to discuss the tools to address issues spanning poultry health, welfare and production.

The event, supported by BBSRC through the International Partnering Award Scheme, will look at the basic, applied and commercial aspects of research into avian diseases.

To help safeguard future food supply and human health, the meeting will provide a forum for discussion and the exchange of ideas in hope of exploiting available opportunities in the realm of infectious diseases.

Professor Melanie Welham, BBSRC Executive Director of Science, said: “The UK has a great track record in avian research, world-leading in a number of aspects of avian disease.

"The GARAD conference will bring together key poultry stakeholders to help address major threats to human health and food security.”

Professor Venugopal Nair, Head of the Viral Disease programme at The Pirbright Institute, said: “Today’s poultry industry is truly international, and many avian pathogens spread readily without respecting international boundaries.

"Tackling the disease caused by these pathogens require global collaborative research efforts.

"The GARAD conference will be a forum for the international scientific community to work together and share research ideas to bring innovation to improve control strategies in avian health.”

For further information click here, or for details on how to register click here.