The two-day meeting included presentations from Aviagen experts and external speakers, as well as sessions dedicated to practical case-study challenges. An overview of the Austrian poultry industry was also provided on the second day by Dr Martina Glatzl of the Austrian Poultry Health Service.

Interaction and information exchange were at the heart of the event, with attendees embracing the opportunity to learn from industry experts as well as each other, with the ultimate aim of providing continuous benefits to the customer. Newcomers Patrick Galardon and Jean-Charles Bethuel from Aviagen France, as well as Kristina Nemeth and Paul Anton from Aviagen Kft were welcomed to the meeting and introduced to fellow colleagues.

Guest speakers included Henk Rodenboog from De Heus, who provided an introduction to Ventilation Principles. E.coli, an issue which is becoming ever more prominent for the industry, was the key focus in other presentations, with Will Landman from GD Animal Health discussing E.coli Pathology and Incidence and Rik Koopman from MSD and Rita Weber from Zoetis covering E.coli vaccines.

Otto van Tuijl, Regional Technical Manager, Aviagen EPI, said: “These bi-annual meetings provide multiple purposes for us. They are about sharing knowledge on what is happening in respective markets but also offering training in particular subjects and product development that the various teams have identified as being an area of focus.”

The stunning surroundings of the Austrian mountains meant attendees were also able to take part in a variety of social activities, with Otto adding, “These meetings are a great platform for members of the wider Aviagen family spread across Europe to come together in a more relaxed setting, socialise and forge relationships with each other, which is hugely important to the business.”