Alltech's global marketing director issued a statement Saturday to employees regarding swine flu and the company's 25th annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium, scheduled for May 17-20 at the Lexington Center and expected to draw attendance from dozens of countries.
In the statement, Catherine Keough advised:
"As a leader in our industry, Alltech is actively monitoring developments regarding the H1N1 flu outbreak that appears to have originated in Mexico. While taking every precaution to ensure the safety and best possible experience for our customers and employees, our Symposium organisation continues as planned. We will remain vigilant and will keep you informed as the situation evolves.
We are keeping in close contact with our colleagues in Mexico to monitor the situation in the region. As a precaution, we have restricted travel of Alltech staff to and from Mexico until further notice.
We are in contact with the Centre for Disease Control and will be following any recommendations and guidelines that they put forth."
With the theme "The Sustainability Principle - securing long-term profitability in a period of crisis," the 2009 Symposium is designed to focus on the many challenges confronting the animal feed industry during an economic downturn, organizers say
In an interview with DairyBusiness.com, Alltech president Dr. Pearse Lyons said, "Sustainability is the single biggest business opportunity of our time and is increasingly becoming a critical driver of business growth. By embracing sustainability we are not only providing the world with food in a safe and cost effective manner, but also protecting the welfare of future generations."
Plans call for a "Great Debate" to consider sustainability and the need to achieve long-term profitability while continuing to be conscious of animal welfare, responsive to consumer needs and environmentally friendly.
Three different points of view will be offered, according to an article on Cattlenetwork.com. Dr. Lutz Goedde from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Philip Wilkinson OBE, Managing Director, 2 Sisters Group (the UK's largest chicken producer) and Professor Michael Boehlje of Purdue University will each take the stage to discuss their ideas in front of over 1000 delegates representing top global agribusinesses.