The USSEC Poultry Training Program for Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey was held April 19- 25 at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine/IFAS, in Gainesville, Florida. Twelve key veterinarians and managers from the MENA region traveled to the University of Florida to attend the intensive program where disease and management problems affecting their region were discussed in detail. The program allowed for the presentation of new scientific information as well as an exchange of ideas among technical personnel from the participating countries.

At the current time, infectious diseases are devastating the poultry industries in Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia. The need for improvements in biosecurity and changes in the structure of the poultry industry in these countries is urgent. Topics for presentation and discussion ranged from avian influenza (H9 and H5), genotype 7 Newcastle disease, mycoplasma infections, variant bronchitis, biosecurity programs, vaccination techniques and management of the broiler from the day of arrival to the farm.
USSEC consultant Dr. Gary Butcher provided details on his experiences with these diseases in numerous countries worldwide. The event also provided a forum for technical personnel from the different poultry companies and countries to discuss current conditions and programs being implements to combat these illnesses. Participants commented positively on the program and especially enjoyed the roundtable discussion sessions, which provided them with an opportunity to learn more about problems unique to their region and take back knowledge that can be readily applied to their companies.

Attendees also toured a high tech and modern processing plant in Live Oak, Florida owned by Pilgrim’s Pride and the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida.