The International Symposium on Poultry Health Challenges, jointly organized by the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA-Pakistan Branch), convened on December 28, 2023. The symposium aimed to address critical issues in poultry health, providing a platform for experts to share insights and discuss strategies for the sustainable development of the poultry industry in Pakistan.
II. Opening Session:
- Recitation from the Holy Quran:
- Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Sohaib commenced the event with a recitation of the Holy Quran, setting a solemn and respectful atmosphere.
- Welcome Address:
- Prof. Dr. Farzana Rizvi, Dean, FVS, and Convener Organizing Committee, extended a warm welcome, underscoring the significance of the symposium.
- Objectives and importance:
- Dr. Hanif Nazir Ch., President of WVPA Pakistan, elucidated the symposium’s objectives and stressed the critical importance of addressing poultry health challenges in the region.
- Chief Guest Address:
- Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan (SI/HI), Vice Chancellor, UAF, delivered the chief guest address, emphasizing the pivotal role of academia and research in poultry health management.
- Guest Address:
- Dr. Rana Sajjad Arshad shared valuable insights into the broader global context of poultry health challenges.
III. Technical Sessions:
Session I: Global Perspectives:
- Avian Influenza: Global Situation & Control Strategies:
- Prof. Dr. Munir Iqbal from the Pirbright Institute, United Kingdom, provided a comprehensive overview of the global scenario and control strategies for Avian Influenza.
- Fowl Adenovirus: Current Situation and Control Measures:
- Dr. Abdul Rashid Shoukat, GM Breeders Production at Sabir’s Poultry, illuminated the current status and control measures for Fowl Adenovirus.
- The Current Situation of Poultry Diseases in Pakistan:
- Dr. Farhan Afzal, Director, the Poultry Research Institute, shared insights into the prevalent poultry diseases in Pakistan.
- Importance of Lab in the Livestock Industry:
- Dr. Khalid Naeem Khawaja, Director of AveeRose Lab, emphasized the pivotal role of laboratories and modern sampling methods for avian disease diagnostics.
- Industry Insights: Lucky Core Industries Pakistan:
- Dr. Rizwan Afzal, National Sales Manager, Lucky Core Industries Pakistan, provided a historical context and showcased CAVAC‘s contributions to the animal vaccine industry.
IV. Q&A Session:
- A panel comprising Dr. Hanif Nazir Ch., Dr. Khalid Naeem Khawaja, Dr. Abdul Rashid Shoukat, Dr. Muhammad Akram, and Prof. Dr. Munir Iqbal engaged in an interactive Q&A session, addressing audience queries and fostering insightful discussions.
V. WVPA-Pakistan Membership and Future Plans:
- Dr. Muhammad Kashif Saleemi, Security Officer of WVPA-Pakistan Branch, provided insights into the organization’s membership growth. He announced plans for the WVPA-Pakistan Branch to bid for hosting the WVPA Asia Conference in Pakistan in 2026. Dr. Saleemi also briefed the audience on WVPA’s establishment in 2011, highlighting its current membership of 140 members.
VI. Technical Session II: Poster Presentations:
- The afternoon session commenced with engaging poster presentations, providing a platform for scholars to showcase their research findings. Each presentation was introduced and moderated by the following speakers:
- Naima Waheed (Ph.D. Scholar):
- Department of Pathology, University of FVS Agriculture, Faisalabad.
- Topic: “Epidemiological and Pathomorphological Investigations of Avian Salmonellosis in Commercial and Backyard Poultry, along with its Zoonotic Implications”
- Muhammad Waseem Tahir (Ph.D. Scholar):
- Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
- Topic: “Prevalence, Pathology, and Molecular Diagnosis of Marek’s Disease in Layers and Layer Breeders in Faisalabad”
- Dr. Kabir Ahmed Chohan:
- Technical Manager, Pakistan, CEVA SANTE ANIMALE.
- Detection of Infectious Bronchitis Variant (IBV) viruses in commercial broiler flocks in Pakistan
- Dr. Aamir Ali:
- Principal Scientist, NIBGE.
- Presentation on strategies used to control Salmonella Infections in Poultry.
- Prof. Dr. Aamir Ghafoor:
- UDL, UVAS Lahore.
- Topic: “Salmonella Gallinarum: An Old Pathogen, a New Perspective”
- Dr. Farhan Farooq:
- KK Chicks.
- Topic: “Value of Correct Temperature with Minimum Ventilation”
VII. Closing Session:
- Dr. Khalid Naeem Khawaja chaired the closing session, expressing gratitude to speakers, attendees, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the symposium.
VIII. Conclusion:
The symposium concluded with a group photo, symbolizing collaborative efforts to address poultry health challenges and paving the way for future advancements in the poultry industry in Pakistan.
