The Israeli Branch Participation in the WPSA World Congress 2026
The Israeli Branch of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) was well represented at the WPSA World Congress (WPC), held in Toronto, Canada (13–17 July 2026).
A total of 19 members from the Israeli Branch attended the congress, reflecting the branch’s continued commitment to advancing poultry science and strengthening international scientific collaboration.
WPSA Awards:
-
Yitzhak Malka was one the five members of WPSA global membership, who were inducted to the International Poultry Hall of Fame (IPHF). He received this honor for his over 20 years of serving as Secretary of the Israeli Branch and making it to one of the biggest in WPSA, and for contributing to numerous international activities of WPSA and for training poultry professionals in many developing countries.
Scientific Contributions
Israeli researchers delivered 9 presentations by 8 speakers, covering topics ranging from poultry microbiology and gut health to embryonic development, genetics, and disease control.
Prof. Avigdor Cahaner presented the Kick Off lecture in the Genetics session
- 75 Years of Breeding Broilers for Rapid Growth and Against Related ‘Defects’
Dr. Erez Mills presented:
- Prolonged Survival of Symbiotic Gut Bacteria in Egg White Suggests a Potential Pathway for Vertical Transmission
Ms. Ron Tovi Sharon (PhD student) presented two lectures:
- Screen of Salmonella Responses to Host-Associated Metabolites Reveals that Propionate Reduces Iron Bioavailability
- Early-Life Colonization by Hen-Derived Gut Bacteria Shapes the Intestinal Microbiota, Host Gene Expression and Gut Histology of Chicks
Ms. Nir Ben Porat (PhD student) presented:
- A Single Early Exposure to Adult Microbiota Drives Sustained Increases in Propionate and Gut Maturation Across Five Weeks in Broiler Chicks
Ms. Melanie Fonkeng (PhD student) presented:
- Early Thyroid Hormone Variation Before HPT-Axis Formation Modulates Embryonic Development and Metabolic Response in Broiler Embryos
Ms. Joanna Bartman (PhD student) presented:
- Green Light During Late Embryogenesis Epigenetically Programs Growth and Metabolism in Broilers
Dr. Tomer Epstein presented:
- Inclusion-Body Hepatitis: From Outbreak to Control (2022–2025)
Dr. Ehud Elnekave presented:
- Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Infections in layer flocks in Israel between 2018 and 2023
These presentations demonstrated the breadth and quality of Israeli poultry research.
WPSA administrative activities
WPSA Board Meeting: two branch members participated in the two-day meeting of the Board.
- Zehava Uni, one of WPSA five Vice-Presidents
- Avigdor Cahaner, the Editor of WPSA bi-monthly Newsletter
Branch Secretaries Meeting was attended by 3 officers of the Israeli branch
- Hagit Arazi, Branch Secretary
- Yochi Rolf, Branch Treasurer
- Avigdor Cahaner, Branch President
WPSA Council Meeting
The 3 officers and several members of the Israeli Branch participated in the WPSA Council Meeting, where representatives from branches worldwide discussed WPSA activities, future initiatives, and strategies for strengthening international cooperation in poultry science. The meeting also included the election and confirmation of WPSA officers and provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with representatives from many national branches.
International Networking and Collaboration
In addition to the scientific sessions, the congress offered valuable opportunities to establish new collaborations, strengthen existing partnerships, and discuss emerging challenges facing the global poultry industry. Members of the Israeli branch actively participated in technical discussions, meetings with colleagues from academia and industry, and social events that fostered professional relationships across countries.
The Israeli Branch extends its sincere congratulations to all presenters for their outstanding scientific achievements and for representing Israeli poultry science on the international stage. We also thank all members of the Israeli delegation whose participation contributed to the visibility and continued success of our branch within the global WPSA community. We look forward to meeting colleagues again at future WPSA events.