Research Chair tackles bird flu

Abstract

The Research Chair in Poultry Health and Production, which was established jointly by the Southern African Poultry Association (SAPA) and the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2012, is taking the lead in research on poultry diseases that affect food security in South Africa. The Research Chair is headed by Prof Celia Abolnik, who is recognised as the sub-regional expert in avian influenza. She also represents South Africa in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)’s OFFLU Network, a network of experts on animal influenza. Since the research focuses are determined by industry needs, Prof Abolnik and her research team focus primarily on diseases like Newcastle disease, avian influenza, mycoplasmosis and infectious bronchitis. The research team includes postgraduate students who chose these focus areas for research for their master’s and PhD degrees.