As in previous successful symposia, IHSIG wants to evoke discussions with the scientific community, poultry producers, regulatory authorities and poultry veterinarians aiming to promote health and welfare in poultry production. The 2016 edition again focusses on the One Health principle, a concept that recognizes that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and the environment.
Humans and animals interact with greater frequency and intimacy in a globalized world. This interaction offers the opportunity for the emergence and spread of disease agents that could adversely impact animal or human health or both. We need to be aware of the animal health, animal well-being, human safety, human health, food safety, food security, public perception, trade implications, and market-access aspects if we want to improve poultry production, because food production will also need to support a growing world population in a sustainable way. Poultry production is essential in providing affordable protein and has a low ecological footprint.