PSA Cancels Annual and LATAM Meetings

 

To All Poultry Science Association Family and Friends,

 

Recent events with the spread of COVID-19 globally and the reaction of governments, municipalities, and businesses is certainly unprecedented. The age of technology that we live in today makes it possible to communicate risks and attempt to prevent exposure to disease agents. Preventing infections, especially in more susceptible segments of our society, has led to practical adjustments to assemblies, events and travel, to curtail the spread of infectious organisms and to keep people safe from harm.

 

Late yesterday, the PSA Board of Directors met virtually to discuss the likelihood of safely holding the 2020 PSA Annual Meeting, this July, in Louisville, KY. I am proud to say that the discussion centered around the safety of those attending, the inability of so many to travel and miss participating, and the mandates prohibiting travel and assembly. After much discussion, the Board unanimously decided to cancel the 2020 PSA Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. Also, and for mostly the same safety concerns, the Board additionally decided to cancel the 2020 PSA Latin American Scientific Conference, this October, in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil.

 

Now, I’m certain this decision can be disappointing for some but should come as a relief to most folks and to be certain, no one can fault the concern for safety and well-being of those in our association. However, making the decision was just the beginning of how we deal with the consequences. Travel plans and accommodations will be changed and even now, our team is working on some virtual alternatives to conduct your annual business meeting and to make some of the proposed symposia available online as we continue efforts to disseminate poultry research findings. So please stay tuned to hear about critical information resulting from this decision to cancel our meeting in person.

 

Stay safe,

 

Don McIntyre

PSA President.