Understanding how highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreads between broiler flocks through epidemiological research will be key to stopping the current outbreak.
“Science needs to move in to help. Not necessarily to do away with HPAI – that’s almost impossible – but at least to help mitigate the financial impacts, the public health impacts and that sort of thing,” explained Brian McCluskey, DVM, Ph.D., director, Lonestar Epidemiology Consulting.
In a way, epidemiology is like crime scene investigation because it involves piecing together clues to form a conclusion, he said.
“It really comes down to learning the types o things that those that are growing chickens can use to help prevent infection,” McCluskey added.
McCluskey will discuss the control measures for HPAI that are being tested and implemented in the U.S. and vaccination in other countries at the 2025 Chicken Marketing Summit, scheduled for July 28-30, 2025 at the DeSoto Savannah in Savannah, Georgia.
Registration is now open with early bird savings available until May 31.
No silver bullet for HPAI
The current HPAI outbreak in poultry has been ongoing for over three years, presenting unprecedented challenges to the North American poultry industry. Commercial losses have been staggering, infections have been reported in wild birds and mammal populations and cows in hundreds of dairies testing positive for the virus.
There’s no one silver bullet for mitigating HPAI, but better biosecurity practices and systemic on-farm investigations following outbreaks will likely be crucial to controlling the virus, McCluskey said.
Attend the 2025 Chicken Marketing Summit
The 2025 Chicken Marketing Summit will be held at the DeSoto Savannah in Savannah, Georgia, on July 28-30, 2025. This one-of-a-kind event will feature two content tracks. The first will focus on consumers and how technology impacts them, while the second will look at the impact new technologies have from an operational standpoint for chicken companies, retail and foodservice.
Serving a unique cross-section of the chicken supply chain, the Chicken Marketing Summit explores issues and trends in food marketing and consumer chicken consumption patterns and purchasing behavior.
Registration is now open with early bird savings available until May 31.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 9! Recognize excellence by submitting your free nomination for Chicken Marketer of the Year.
