 International Avian Coccidiosis Symposium
In collaboration with Dr. Hector M. Cervantes
May 28–29, 2026 · Guadalajara, Mexico
The most comprehensive technical event on avian coccidiosis in Latin America
Anywhere where poultry is raised in confinement on the floor, coccidiosis remains as one of the main disease challenges faced by poultry producers worldwide. Â Whether in its clinical or subclinical form, its adverse effects on intestinal health, pigmentation, weight gain, feed conversion and mortality are detrimental to the profitability of poultry companies. Â Therefore, it is critically important for poultry health professionals to have up-to-date information on accurate diagnostics and effective control strategies.
This symposium brings together some of the world’s leading researchers and experts, intending to provide a comprehensive, science-based, and practical view of coccidiosis management in modern production systems.
Meet Dr. Hector M. Cervantes
Dr. Hector M. Cervantes is an internationally recognized authority in poultry medicine, with more than 40 years of experience in the diagnosis, prevention, and control of poultry diseases. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UNAM, a Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia, and an Internship in Avian Medicine Certificate from the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, and is a Diplomate of the prestigious American College of Poultry Veterinarians (ACPV).
He currently serves as Adjunct Graduate Professor Faculty at the University of Georgia, where he continues contributing to scientific advancement and training future specialists. Dr. Cervantes has served as President of organizations such as AAAP, SPSS, and ACPV, and has been honored with major poultry industry awards across the Americas, including:
✔ Lamplighter Award – U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (2023)
✔ Hall of Honor – AAAP (2019)
✔ Lasher-Bottorff Award – AAAP (2019)
✔ Pavo de Oro – ANECA México (2019)
✔ Hall of Fame – Asociación Latinoamericana de Avicultura (ALA, 2017)
✔ Ben Harrington Award – NC State University (2013)
Dr. Cervantes’ extensive career, academic leadership, and deep expertise in avian coccidiosis ensure a high-level conference grounded in science, real-world field experience, and the latest industry trends.
📢 The event will feature simultaneous English–Spanish and Spanish–English translation, ensuring maximum value from every session.
Invited International Experts
Throughout the event, you will learn directly from global leaders whose research and field work are helping transform the industry:
Damer P. Blake
After earning his PhD on Bacterial Genetics from the University of Aberdeen, Damer began his career on intestinal health of poultry at the Institute for Animal Health (UK). His work has focused on coccidiosis, contributing to the Eimeria genome sequencing consortium and helping develop cost-effective anticoccidial vaccines.
He is currently Professor of Parasite Genetics at the Royal Veterinary College, where his research explores Eimeria genetics, host resistance, and the interactions between parasites, microbiota, and gut health in poultry production systems. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Avian Pathology.
Rüdiger Hauck
DVM, PhD, DECPVS is an Associate Professor of Pathobiology and Poultry Science at Auburn University, where he has served since 2017. He earned his DVM, PhD in Poultry Diseases from Freie Universität Berlin and completed postdoctoral training at leading institutions, including the University of Georgia and University of California, Davis.
His expertise focuses on infectious and enteric poultry diseases, including coccidiosis, reovirus, and Histomonas meleagridis. He is a Diplomate of the European College of Poultry Veterinary Science, an active member of the AAAP, and the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, including contributions to the MSD Veterinary Manual.
Greg Mathis
He is a recognized expert in coccidiosis and poultry health, originally from Gainesville, Georgia, known as the Poultry Capital of the World. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College and completed both his Master’s and PhD in Poultry Science at the University of Georgia, focusing on epidemiology, genetics, and coccidiosis control.
He is the founder of Southern Poultry Research, Inc., a leading company with more than 40 years of experience providing applied research for the poultry and pharmaceutical industries, including work on coccidiosis vaccines, necrotic enteritis, Salmonella, and alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters.
Derek DetzlerÂ
He is a poultry producer and international consultant with more than 20 years of experience focused on the sustainable reduction of antibiotic use in broiler production.
Throughout his career, he has worked in primary and further processing, hatcheries, and feed mill operations. Since the early 2000s, he has implemented coccidiosis vaccination programs combined with management and nutritional strategies to address anticoccidial resistance. He has consulted internationally for pharmaceutical, genetic, vaccine, and nutrition companies; served on the Chicken Farmers of Canada Antibiotic Reduction Committee; was President and General Manager of Trillium Hatchery; and worked as a PAACO-certified poultry welfare auditor for more than 10 years.
Jose Juan Bruzual
He is a Veterinarian, graduated from the Central University of Venezuela, with Master’s degrees in Poultry Science from North Carolina State University and in Avian Medicine from the University of Georgia. He is also a Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians (ACPV).
He has more than 34 years of experience in the poultry industry across North and Latin America, having worked with companies such as Protinal, Purina, Perdue Farms, Embrex, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Since 2010, he has been part of Aviagen’s Global Veterinary Team for the Americas, focusing on poultry health for the Ross and Arbor Acres lines. He currently serves as Senior Veterinary Specialist and has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia since 2012.
Luis Gomez
Moderator & Roundtable Sessions
Senior Director, Global Poultry Technical Services – Phibro Animal Health
Dr. Luis Gómez is a Veterinarian who graduated from the Central University of Venezuela, with a Master’s degree in Avian Medicine from the University of Georgia, and a Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. He has more than 30 years of experience in the poultry industry, working in production, technical services, and specialized consulting in both the United States and Venezuela.
Since 2019, he has been employed by Phibro Animal Health Corporation, where he leads global poultry technical services, oversees applied research on nutritional and medicated products, and develops digital tools to support field operations.
Event Sessions
Throughout this day, participants will be able to delve into the essential and emerging aspects of the disease, presented by renowned international experts:
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1. The disease, its diagnosis, and lesion scoringÂ
– Hector Cervantes (University of Georgia, USA)
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2. Quantifying the cost of coccidiosis
– Damer P. Blake (Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK)
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3. Practical significance of the 3 new species of Eimeria spp. Â
– Damer P. Blake (Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK)
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4. Molecular tests for the identification and prevalence of coccidia
– Rudiger Hauck (Auburn University, USA)
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5. Practical utility of molecular tests
– Rudiger Hauck (Auburn University, USA)
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6. Chemoprophylaxis and chemotherapyÂ
– Hector Cervantes (University of Georgia, USA)
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7. Resistance to anticoccidial agents and susceptibility testing
– Greg Mathis (SPR-USA)
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8. Alternatives to conventional anticoccidialsÂ
– Greg Mathis (SPR-USA)
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9. Immunity and vaccination in broiler chickens
– Greg Mathis (SPR-USA)
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10. Control in broiler chickens raised without antibiotics, including ionophoresÂ
– Derek Detzler (CANADA-JEFO)
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11. Field experiences with vaccination Â
– Derek Detzler (CANADA-JEFO)
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12. Control in Replacement pullets and heavy breeders
 – J.J. Bruzual (USA-AVIAGEN)
Each of these sessions provides critical information for the effective control of coccidiosis, combining advanced research with practical on-farm application, strengthening programs.
Why Attend?
âś” Access the latest scientific evidence directly applied to real-world production.
âś” Discover practical solutions ready to implement in farms and operations.
âś” Learn from leading researchers and professionals with hands-on industry experience.
âś” Connect with colleagues, experts, and international suppliers.
âś” Dive deeper into topics such as resistance, new species, molecular diagnostics, vaccination strategies, and sustainable control.
What You’ll Take Away
âś” A solid understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and real economic impact of the disease.
✔ Practical strategies for production systems with and without antibiotics.
✔ Science-based management, prevention, and control programs grounded in real field experience.
✔ Tools to improve technical, economic, and health-related decision making.
✔ A comprehensive update delivered by leading global experts.
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for:
âś” Poultry veterinarians and animal health specialists.
✔  Farm managers and producers.
✔  Nutritionists and technical teams.
✔  Researchers and academics.
✔  Companies involved in genetics, feed, additives, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines.
✔  Professionals working in antibiotic-free production programs.
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In-Person Events in Guatemala and Panama
Questions?
If you need assistance, feel free to contact us.
đź“žWhatsapp:Â +1 980 3487489
📧Email: [email protected]
Be part of the most important coccidiosis technical event in the region.
Learn, apply, and lead the future of poultry health.
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