The 6th International Poultry Congress – Digitalization and Health in Poultry Production, organized by the Turkish Branch of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) and hosted by Fırat University, was successfully held in Elazığ, Türkiye, on 7–8 May 2026.
The congress comprehensively addressed topics including digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainable production, animal welfare, early disease detection, reduction of antibiotics use and the One Health approach. Bringing together national and international scientists, industry representatives, and young researchers, the congress emphasized that the future of poultry production should be shaped not only by productivity, but also by animal health, human health, environmental sustainability, and food security. Throughout the congress, presentations highlighted that artificial intelligence-supported image analysis, digital twin technologies, sensor-based monitoring systems, big data applications, and smart poultry house models provide significant opportunities for early warning systems, disease management, feed efficiency, and animal welfare in the poultry sector. In addition, it was emphasized that precision feeding strategies, circular economy applications, waste valorization, emission reduction, and environmental impact monitoring are no longer optional but essential for achieving sustainability in poultry production.
Within the framework of the One Health approach, which constituted the second major focus of the congress, discussions were held on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, biosecurity, vaccination strategies, food safety, and environmental health. Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that animal health cannot be considered separately from human health, and environmental health forms the foundation of both systems.
At the conclusion of the congress, the following common recommendations and evaluations were highlighted:
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence applications in poultry production should be expanded.
Sensor technologies, image analysis, sound analysis, and environmental monitoring systems should be integrated for the early detection of diseases.
Alternative strategies based on biosecurity, vaccination, probiotics, enzymes, organic acids, and phytogenic compounds that reduce antibiotic use should be further supported.
Feed efficiency, waste management, carbon footprint, and environmental impacts should be evaluated holistically to ensure sustainable poultry production.
Collaboration among universities, industry stakeholders, public institutions, and international scientific organizations should be strengthened.
Training young researchers in digital agriculture, animal health technologies, and One Health should be considered a priority.
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