Webinar: HPAI update on today’s epidemiology and experience with vaccination as part of strategy for prevention and control

Avian Influenza can affect all species of birds in intensive poultry rearing systems young laying hens, ducks, and turkeys are usually the most affected species. Free-living birds may carry the influenza virus without becoming ill due to natural resistance. It is known that wild birds and waterfowl present a natural reservoir for these viruses and can be responsible for the primary introduction of infection into domestic poultry. Bird flu is a very serious and ongoing concern for the poultry industry and eventually other farm animals; the general population worries about the disease is often misplaced. Featured speakers include Jean-Luc Guérin, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECPVS, professor in poultry medicine at the National Veterinary College of Toulouse, France, and Director of the “host-pathogens interactions” joint research unit (INRAEENVT); and Dr. Stéphane Lemière, Head of Global Technical Services Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim.

This webinar will broadcast at 6:00 AM CDT (Chicago) / 12:00 PM GMT (London) / 8:00 PM CST (Beijing)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

1. The spread of AI viruses from farm to farm is mainly by mechanical transfer, infected manure, and other vectors.
2. Direct contact between wild birds and poultry is relevant but not always necessary for introducing viruses into poultry farms.
3. European experience with vaccination against HPAI H5.

This webinar is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and presented by WATTPoultry.

Speaker Information:

Jean-Luc Guérin, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECPVS, professor in poultry medicine at the National Veterinary College of Toulouse, France, and Director of the “host-pathogens interactions” joint research unit (INRAEENVT)

Jean-Luc Guérin, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECPVS, is full professor in poultry medicine at the National Veterinary College of Toulouse, France and Director of the “host-pathogens interactions” joint research unit (INRAEENVT), covering virology, prions, bacteriology, immunology and epidemiology of infectious diseases in animals, in a One Health perspective. His own research is focused on viruses of poultry, and for some years, pathobiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza. A priority is the development of innovative approaches of viral detection, including from environmental samples and at the wild birds/poultry interface. Since 2016, his research has been very much directed toward the emergence of H5 HPAI and recently, to the scientific support of the National vaccination plan implemented in France. Jean-Luc Guérin authored 100 original international papers, >200 communications and chapters of textbooks in the field of poultry virology and medicine.

Dr. Stéphane Lemière, Head of Global Technical Services Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim

Dr. Stéphane Lemière is a doctor in Veterinary Medicine recognized specialist in poultry pathology. A Member of the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the French Branch of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, the World Poultry Science Association Course Master Broiler Chicken Production WVEPAH. Dr. Lemiere is currently the Boehringer Ingelheim Global Head, Technical Services, in Lyon, France Leading the Global Poultry Veterinary Technical Services group.