An upcoming webinar series aims to help poultry producers safeguard their flocks against today's most pressing disease challenges.
Poultry Health Watch: Insights to Shield Your Flock from Disease will run every Tuesday in February.
"This engaging series offers expert insights into the latest developments in avian influenza, the emerging threat of avian metapneumovirus, the growing impact of E. cecorum, and turning poultry diagnostics into practical solutions," organizers say.
"Each session dives into the status of these diseases in Canada, treatment strategies, and practical, preventative measures producers can take to protect their operations."
Speakers
Dr. Shayan Sharif
Dr. Shayan Sharif is a distinguished veterinarian and professor at the University of Guelph, where he serves as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College. A leading expert in avian influenza and poultry immunology, Dr. Sharif has made substantial contributions to the field through both his research and his mentorship of future scientists. His work focuses on developing vaccines and probiotic solutions to enhance poultry health, and he has become a prominent media figure, providing insights on the current H5N1 outbreak’s impact on Canadian agriculture. Driven by a commitment to train the next generation of poultry professionals, Dr. Sharif combines his expertise in research with his passion for mentorship, influencing the industry on a national and international scale.
Dr. Martine Boulianne
Dr. Martine Boulianne is a professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, and Chair in Poultry Research. With expertise in poultry diseases and biosecurity, her current research focuses on preventing necrotic enteritis, addressing emerging diseases like Enterococcus cecorum, and controlling foodborne pathogens in poultry. She leads the Poultry Research Centre, a facility dedicated to poultry health from farm to table, and is actively involved with the egg industry, including her role on the Egg Farmers of Canada's Salmonella Enteritidis Scientific Advisory Panel.
Dr. Chantel Caughlin
Chantel Caughlin is a 2024 graduate from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Her journey in vet med started in 2014 as a Registered Veterinary Technologist working in mixed animal practice. In 2021, she was introduced to the poultry industry as a summer veterinary student with Prairie Swine Health Services (now Prairie Livestock Veterinarians). Over the past three years, she developed a strong relationship with the team and producers at Prairie Livestock. Now, she finds herself as a full-time poultry veterinarian with a dedicated interest in the application of scientific research at the farm level, working towards innovative approaches to optimize bird health and welfare.
Dr. Babak Sanei
Dr. Babak Sanei serves as Associate Director at Zoetis Canada. Before this role, he held positions as National Poultry Business and Technical Manager and Senior Manager of Veterinary Services, specializing in poultry vaccines and medicated feed additives. Earlier in his career, Sanei spent three years as a company veterinarian with Aviagen in the U.K. and eight years as Lead Veterinarian for Disease Prevention in Poultry with OMAFRA.