IPC Annual Meeting 2026 – Day 1

The meeting opened with Richard Griffiths’ first address as IPC President, where he highlighted the value of engagement and dialogue, encouraging members to be involved, speak up, and make the most of their IPC membership as the organization continues to evolve and represent the global poultry sector.

🌐 Global geopolitics and trade were front and center with Roberto Azevêdo, who offered an assessment of the current Global political scenario. His message was clear: the global order we are used to, has faded away. Both governments and the private sector must adapt by diversifying, creating strategic dependencies, and strengthening direct, market-level relationships. In a world of uncertainty, food systems – and poultry – remain indispensable.

📊 Industry outlooks and market dynamics were explored by Christine McCracken from Rabobank, highlighting key trends shaping the next five years: health-driven protein demand, the role of technology and innovation in lowering costs and adding value, and evolving trade flows as China’s protein mix continues to diversify.

🦠 hashtag#AvianInfluenza and hashtag#OneHealth featured prominently throughout the day.
Gounalan Pavade from World Organisation for Animal Health outlined the current global HPAI situation, emphasizing year-round outbreaks, increasing geographic spread, trade and public health risks, and the importance of surveillance, biosecurity, and vaccination as a complementary tool.

Carel du Marchie Sarvaas reinforced that while One Health is widely supported, it needs coordinated policies and financing to deliver a stronger impact.
Progress, he emphasized, will depend not only on industry action, but also on clear national leadership, alignment with WOAH standards, and stronger technical and political coordination among key trading partners.

From an innovation perspective, Julian Sparrey underscored the need to move from reaction to anticipation, framing the future of livestock protection around prediction, planning, preparedness, and prevention.

🐔 Before closing the first day, Dennis Erpelding and Elisabetta Olgiati presented IPC’s Avian Influenza Preparedness Framework, focusing on readiness, coordination, and practical tools to help the global poultry sector respond more effectively to future outbreaks. In today’s risk environment, preparedness is no longer optional: it’s essential.

Day 1 made one thing clear: the challenges facing our sector are complex, but the commitment, expertise, and collaboration in the room are strong. Looking forward to building on this momentum as the meeting continues.