Kemin Biologics to Host 2026 Avian Influenza Summit

Independent experts from across the globe will share regional perspectives on threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza

Kemin Biologics, the vaccine business unit of Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services by 2042, will host its fourth-annual virtual Avian Influenza Summit webinar on Thursday, October 15, at 13:00 Central European Time.

The 90-minute Poultry World webinar will bring together leading independent experts from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the emerging risks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and the latest strategies for managing these threats affecting poultry health, food security, and international public health.

Addressing an evolving global HPAI situation

The 2026 summit comes as the continuing avian influenza panzootic presents significant challenges to poultry production and disease-control programs worldwide. Changes in the ecology and spread of avian influenza, including unusual mortality among wild birds and a growing number of reported infections in mammals, are prompting renewed evaluation of existing prevention and control strategies.

Against this background, the summit will examine how science-based surveillance, effective government policies, integrated risk management, and vaccination can contribute to more sustainable avian influenza prevention and control.

The program will also explore the distinct epidemiological and biological characteristics of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses and their relevance to poultry-producing regions.

International expert panel

The event will be moderated by Dr. Maarten De Gussem, an international consultant based in Belgium.

The independent expert panel will include:

• Dr. David Swayne, Independent Veterinarian – United States
• Prof. J.J. (Sjaak) de Wit, Royal GD – Netherlands
• Dr. Mariette Ducatez, Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment, INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) – France
• Dr. Dennis Umali, University of the Philippines Los Baños – Philippines

“The rapidly evolving nature of avian influenza requires the global poultry sector to continually reassess how it prevents, detects, and controls the disease,” said Francisco Monsalve, Global Brand Manager, Kemin Biologics.

“Through the 2026 Avian Influenza Summit, Kemin Biologics aims to facilitate a practical, science-led exchange of knowledge from across regions.”

Key topics for the 2026 summit

Drawing on experience from multiple poultry-producing regions, the speakers will discuss:

• Emerging avian influenza virus clades and their potential implications for poultry production and public health
• Government policies and integrated risk-management approaches
• Vaccination best practices to support sustainable disease prevention and control
• Regional lessons relevant to the evolving global HPAI situation

The summit forms part of Kemin Biologics’ educational series and reflects the business unit’s commitment to delivering knowledge and solutions that support effective disease management and a reliable food supply.

To learn more about Kemin Biologics, visit the Kemin Biologics website.

About Kemin Industries

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, textile, biofuel, and animal vaccine industries.

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, textile, biofuel, and animal vaccine industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety, and efficacy of food, feed, and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 4,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.