Now is a good time to join the World Poultry Science Association, says Stephen Lister, poultry vet and president of the WSPA’s UK branch
The World Poultry Science Association was first established in 1912 and now has over 8,000 members globally. The aim of the association is the advancement of knowledge and education in all aspects of poultry science and production.
The UK and USA made up the majority of the membership in the early years, and it was the UK members who suggested, back in 1946, that there should be national branches in countries with active poultry production and science. The drive in the UK was headed by Percy Blount, a veterinarian, soon after he joined the British Oil and Cake Mills (which became BOCM and BOCM Pauls, and now part of ForFarmers). He identified the need for the appliance of science in all aspects of poultry production.
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the poultry industry and poultry science, but unfortunately the word ‘science’ appears to have led some to conclude that it is aimed more towards the research community than those working in the wider industry. In fact, the Association acts as an important bridge between practical research in poultry nutrition, husbandry, management and welfare and the poultry industry wanting to use the fruits of that research. Anyone working in our industry is likely to have been impacted by the work carried out in UK by WPSA members. WPSA remains an excellent example of the appliance of science.
The branch offers an annual spring meeting each year, subscription to the World Poultry Science Journal, and regular Poultry Science symposia. Indeed, the last symposium in 2022 brought together researchers and those from the sharp end of our industry to discuss the use of nutritional influences aimed at reducing antibiotic use. The Association also offers a number of research and study awards for those from all areas of the industry interesting in undertaking practical and focused studies related to our industry
Membership of the UK branch hovers around 160 members, but could benefit from more, especially by those interested in strengthening the application of science to improve poultry health, welfare and production in their day to day businesses.
In 2025 the spring meeting will be held alongside that of the British Veterinary Poultry Association from 12 to 14 March 2025 and offers the opportunity for members new and old, farmers, advisers, veterinarians and researchers to meet and share areas of mutual interest and hear about current research. The meeting also hosts the annual Gordon Memorial Trust lecture which in 2025 will be delivered by Professor Richard Ducatelle of the University of Ghent, speaking on the topic of ‘Poultry gut health and beyond’.
More details can be found at:
WPSA UK Branch https://wpsa-uk.com/
Gordon Memorial Trust https://wpsa-uk.com/the-gordon-memorial-trust/