Lahore, 28, September 2024 – Dr. Aleena Kokab, a Ph.D. scholar from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), has won the prestigious 1st prize for her outstanding presentation at the Poultry Science Conference 2024. Her presentation, titled “Physiological Characterization of Lytic Bacteriophages and Their Efficacy Against Salmonella Enteritidis on Chicken Breast Cuts,” impressed the scientific community with its innovative approach to combating foodborne pathogens in poultry.
The research focuses on the potential of bacteriophages as an effective and natural solution to control Salmonella Enteritidis, a significant cause of foodborne illness globally. Dr. Kokab’s study demonstrated the use of lytic bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria, in reducing Salmonella contamination on chicken breast cuts—a major concern for food safety and public health.
Dr. Aleena Kokab expressed her gratitude, “I am deeply honored to have received this recognition for my work. I want to thank the Pakistan Poultry Association and UVAS for providing this incredible platform to share my research. I also want to thank my guide, Prof. Dr. Ali Ahmad Sheikh, my family, and the institution for their unwavering support throughout my journey.”
This cutting-edge research highlights the potential of bacteriophages as a promising alternative to antibiotics, addressing the growing global concern over antimicrobial resistance in food production. The use of bacteriophages offers a safer and more environmentally friendly method to control bacterial contamination in poultry, aligning with the industry’s focus on sustainable practices.
The Poultry Science Conference 2024, hosted by the Pakistan Poultry Association in collaboration with UVAS, is a key event in the industry, bringing together researchers, academics, and professionals to discuss innovations in poultry science. Dr. Aleena Kokab’s achievement not only represents a significant milestone in her academic career but also contributes to advancing poultry science and food safety in Pakistan.
This remarkable accomplishment underscores the importance of continued research in microbial control methods, especially in the poultry sector, where food safety remains a top priority.