Biography:
Dr. Rafael Fernandez is a Veterinarian serving as a consultant through his company, Aves, LLC. He has vast experience in the implementation of poultry health programs. He’s been responsible for technical services, representing several companies including: Boehringer-Ingleheim, Merial, Pfizer among others. He’s a native to Venezuela and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Zulia and a Master’s in Avian Medicine from the University of Georgia. He is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He has published several articles related to the topics of viral isolation, poultry parasites and poultry management. His experience has given him the opportunity to speak at various poultry scientific events and courses worldwide.

Speaking Date:
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

Presentation Time:
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Presentation Title:
Keynote Speaker: Poultry Health Status in Latin America: What, How, Where and When There Will be Solutions

Presentation Summary:
The emergence of new diseases in commercial poultry and the recurrence of pathological conditions found under health control are common events that are frequently reported. Latin American poultry is no exception and some of them may have been present but were not recognized since their inception due to their low incidence, clinical signs and findings of discrete injuries, lack of the techniques, equipment, and antigens necessary for the timely diagnosis of diseases present in the productive environment. Failure in biosecurity measures, pressure in productive, nutritious and environmental practices; are some of the conditions that can interact frequently to compromise the health status of birds.

Diseases that continually pose as a threat of poultry in the area include respiratory diseases: (Avian Influenza; Newcastle disease, Laryngotracheitis Aviar, Infectious Bronchitis, Micoplasmosis); digestive : (Salmonellas; Hepatitis by Bodies of Inclusion, Enteritis Necrótica); Immunosuppressants: Gumboro disease; Avian Infectious Anemia, Marek's disease ; other conditions such as EDS,76, Reovirosis, Sudden Death Syndrome (RSS); Histomoniasis, Campylobacter, Parasitarian Conditions, have been popping up again.

Many of these diseases are emerging and are related to the changes that the industry is undergoing (moving hens from cages and placing them on the floor, for example) and parasitic diseases, which had not been seen in a long time.

In reality supermarket chains, restaurants, etc., want to align themselves with a matrix that goes hand in hand with their image: they do not want to be seen as businesses that condone animal welfare problems, do not want to stay out of the market and be rejected by the end consumer and the chains use advertising to announce that their poultry inputs are compatible with good management practices, animal welfare, antibiotic-free, etc.

In short, the prevention of diseases requires good management, good nutrition, biosecurity; timely diagnosis and a vaccination schedule that adapts to the infectious conditions present in the environment.