International Symposium 2026 on Poultry Health Challenges to be Held on April 15 in Faisalabad
Faisalabad: In a significant step towards addressing critical poultry health issues in Pakistan, the “International Symposium 2026: Poultry Health Challenges in Pakistan” is scheduled to take place on April 15, 2026 at Serena Hotel Faisalabad.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The symposium is jointly organized by the Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA – Pakistan Branch). The event will bring together leading national and international experts, researchers, veterinarians, and key stakeholders from the poultry industry.
Pakistan’s poultry sector plays a vital role in providing affordable protein, generating employment, and supporting the national economy. However, the industry is increasingly challenged by diseases such as Avian Influenza, Newcastle Disease, IBD, Salmonella, and Mycoplasmosis.
This symposium will serve as a strategic platform where:
- Global and local experts will share the latest research and field experiences
- Practical disease prevention and control strategies will be discussed
- Industry, academia, and policymakers will collaborate for sustainable solutions
- Guidance will be provided to align Pakistan’s poultry sector with international standards
The event will be attended by prominent academic and industry leaders. The inaugural session will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor UAF, while Dr. Sajjad Hussain, DG Research Livestock Punjab will participate as Guest of Honor.
Other notable experts include:
- Dr. Hanif Nazir Chaudhry (President WVPA Pakistan)
- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif Saleemi (Renowned Veterinary Scientist)
- Prof. Dr. Munir Iqbal (United Kingdom)
- Prof. Dr. Clara Marin Orenga (Spain)
- Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Helmy (Boehringer Ingelheim)
- Dr. Khalid Naeem Khawaja
These experts represent both national and international leadership in poultry health and disease management.
Keynote Perspective
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Hanif Nazir Chaudhry, President WVPA Pakistan, emphasized that Pakistan’s poultry sector is facing increasing pressure from evolving disease patterns, antimicrobial resistance, and production challenges. He stressed the urgent need to adopt modern scientific approaches, strengthen biosecurity measures, and promote stronger collaboration between academia and the poultry industry. He further highlighted that platforms like this symposium are essential to bridge the gap between research and field-level implementation.
Adding to this perspective, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif Saleemi, General Secretary of WVPA Pakistan, underscored the importance of evidence-based disease control strategies and capacity building of veterinary professionals. He noted that strengthening research linkages and adopting globally aligned practices are critical for ensuring sustainable growth and improved disease management in Pakistan’s poultry sector.
Key Topics to be Discussed
- Avian Influenza evolution and vaccine efficacy
- IBD and CIA co-infection in Pakistan
- Control of zoonotic Salmonella at farm level
- IBDV updates and control strategies
- Newcastle Disease challenges and solutions
- Avian Mycoplasmosis and localized control approaches
The World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to advancing poultry health, research, and professional development. The Pakistan branch plays a key role in connecting local industry stakeholders with global expertise and scientific advancements.
Final Program – International Symposium 2026
| Time | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–09:30 | Registration |
Participants networking Dr. Muhammad Imran, Dr. M. Nasir Bhaya, Dr. Hadia Ali, Dr. Zubair Amjad, Dr. Bilal Arshad, Dr. Namra Kanwar |
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Inaugural Session (09:30–10:30) Chair: Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali (VC UAF) Moderator: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif Saleemi |
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| 10:30–11:15 | Avian Influenza | Prof. Dr. Munir Iqbal – Pirbright Institute, UK |
| 11:15–11:40 | IBD & CIA | Prof. Dr. Kashif Saleemi – UAF |
| 11:40–12:10 | Salmonella Control | Prof. Dr. Clara Marin – CEU Cardenal Herrera University, Spain |
| 12:10–12:50 | IBDV Updates | Dr. Helmy – Boehringer Ingelheim |
| 12:50–13:30 | Newcastle Disease | Prof. Munir – Lancaster University, UK |
| 13:30–14:00 | Mycoplasmosis | Dr. Khalid Naeem Khawaja – AveeRose Lab |
| 14:15–15:15 | Closing Session | Mian Sohaib Javaid – Jadeed Group |
VNV Insight
This upcoming symposium reflects a growing shift in Pakistan’s poultry industry towards science-driven solutions and global collaboration. It is expected to play a crucial role in shaping future disease control strategies and strengthening the link between research, policy, and industry.