The conference opens with the key note address, “Global Competitiveness Focusing on Broilers, Turkeys and Table Eggs,” presented by Brett Stuart, cofounder of Global AgriTrends, which specializes in market intelligence and trade data. Formerly the lead economist for the US Meat Export Federation, Stuart has conducted extensive research on the global meat trade and has also advised US trade officials.

With more and more avian-health professions being asked to lend their expertise to public policy discussions that steer government regulations and consumer perceptions, AAAP has also organized half-day symposium, “Poultry and Policy: A Melee of Science, Agriculture and Politics.”

The four-day scientific program offers more than 200 oral and poster presentations on avian influenza, intestinal health, respiratory disease, immunity management, Marek’s disease, bacteria management, virology, diagnostics, food safety, flock welfare and related topics.

AAAP will also debut two new videos — one recapping the history of the association, the other to commemorate the association’s 60th annual conference.

In addition, AAAP will induct 19 more avian-health professionals into its Hall of Honor, which it began last year to recognize members who have made significant contributions to poultry health or the association. AAAP will also award recent achievements in avian medicine with more than 30 awards, scholarships and preceptorships.

The American Association of Avian Pathologists is an international association whose mission is to promote scientific knowledge to enhance the health, well-being, and productivity of poultry to provide safe and abundant food for the world. For more information about the 2017 AAAP conference, click here or visit aaap.info.