This year, attendees of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), to be held in Atlanta from January 26 – 28, 2016, will have the opportunity to attend “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Lessons Learned,” a program on avian influenza sponsored by the United Egg Producers (UEP) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).

The program will act as a valuable opportunity for attendees to educate themselves on the recent outbreak of avian influenza in the United States from people who were actively involved in controlling the disease. Speakers will include experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as veterinarians from layer and turkey companies that were involved in the outbreak.

“The 2015 HPAI outbreak was devastating to the U.S. egg farming community,” said Chad Gregory, UEP president and CEO. “All sectors of the poultry and egg industry must be diligent in preventing the spread of future outbreaks, and this program will share important lessons learned.”

Speakers will discuss the factors that contributed to the spread of the virus, as well as the current efforts in developing vaccines for potential use in the future. Representatives of the commercial egg and turkey industries will provide valuable insight into the biosecurity measures that are necessary to control and eradicate the disease. They will also give the audience an understanding of the challenges this disease has provided to commercial poultry companies.

“This program will provide a timely reminder for our entire industry as we approach the spring migration period. Effective biosecurity measures are extremely important, now more than ever,” said John Starkey, USPOULTRY president.

Registration for the program is $100 for registered IPPE attendees. For the full agenda, as well as registration information, please visit the IPPE website.