The organization will bring together all available knowledge to this country in response to an earlier outbreak of H7N3 this summer. This AI variant poses a threat to intensive poultry farming in Mexico, particularly in the Jalisco province. The conference offers visitors the chance to come into contact with international experts, like the Dutch animal health expert Dr Guus Koch (from the Central Veterinary Institute Wageningen UR). The Avian Influenza Conference will take place on 18 October in Expo Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Project Manager Guus van Ham, says that VIV wants to take its responsibility and wishes to facilitate the sharing of knowledge in the sector.

He said: "We wish to distribute the internationally available expertise with Mexican producers and authorities. For this purpose, we are bringing experts together at this event. They will provide the Mexican poultry industry with tried and tested solutions based on previous experiences with this disease. The initiative fits our ambition to use and share global knowledge for local problems. Dr Koch has previously been involved in the control of highly contagious Avian Influenza in Europe in 2003 and in China."

Although the highly pathogenic H7N3 cannot be transmitted to humans, there is a great risk of it undermining intensive Mexican poultry farming in the province of Jalisco and the related trade and industry. "We invite all those involved and Mexican poultry producers to visit this free congress," he added.

Other speakers include: Francisco Javier Gonzalez, who was involved in the control of the recent outbreak. Dr D. Swayne, Centre Director of South East Poultry Research Laboratory of the USDA, who will share his knowledge of vaccination and surveillance with regard to the control of Avian Influenza. Finally, Carlos Ramirez from Gena Agropecuaria will exchange practical experiences with the latest outbreak and share valuable tips with those present.

The congress at FIGAP/VIV Mexico is part of an extensive parallel programme organized in conjunction with this trade show. Current themes such as feed safety and food safety - both for poultry and pig production - are part of the program. Various respected speakers on food, specialists from the US Grain Council and scientists from American universities and knowledge institutes will be present.

Programme

How to respond to and revive from an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza Conference, FIGAP/VIV Mexico 2012, 18 October, Expo Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

9:00 - 9:45 The Dutch approach to the Avian Influenza virus in 2003 and Avian Influenza from an international perspective, Dr Guus Koch Central Veterinary Institute Wageningen UR, the Netherlands
09:45 - 10:45 Current Situation of Avian Influenza in Mexico, Francisco Javier Gonzalez, PREVITEP, Mexico
10:45 - 11:15 Coffee break
11:15 - 11:45 Avian Influenza from a farmer's perspective, Carlos Ramirez, Gena Agropecuaria
11:45 - 12:30 Vaccination and Surveillance, David E. Swayne, DVM, PhD, dACVP, dACPV, Laboratory Director, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, USDA/Agricultural Research Service, USA
12.30 - 13.00 Q&A, Discussion

FIGAP/VIV Mexico 2012 offers more

Over 210 companies/exhibitors are involved in the FIGAP/VIV Mexico 2012 trade show. Some examples from the series of congresses, seminars and workshops organised in conjunction with the exhibition are:

• Feed Production School 15-16 October 2012, preceding FIGAP/VIV Mexico
• Food Safety conference with Watt Roundtable discussions
• Master Conferences

Further Reading You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.