EP 19: Bird Flu - Sorting Fact from Fiction

The records indicate that the current avian influenza outbreak is the largest we have seen since 2014–2015. Join host Bruce Perkin and guest speaker Yvonne Thaxton as they discuss what is avian influenza, can humans’ contract it, the biosecurity measures that are in place and more!

Guest Speaker

Yvonne Thaxton is a renowned expert in poultry science and is currently a Professor Emeritus and Director of the Center for Food Animal Wellbeing at the University of Arkansas. She earned her PhD in Poultry Pathology from Auburn University and is a speaker and advisor in the field of Poultry science and animal welfare.

Bruce Perkin is the principal scientist and operator of Robust Food Solutions LLC, a food science-based consultancy that has operated since 2017, providing strategic advice and hands-on support to food businesses in the areas of quality systems and food safety, innovation, product development, and organizational design.

Bruce is a Certified Food Scientist, a Certified HACCP practitioner, and is a Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence through the American Society for Quality. He is also a Preventative Controls Qualified Individual under the FSMA regulations. He has completed Food Defense training through the FDA and the FSPCA. Bruce is a past Chairperson of the Dallas /Fort Worth chapter of IFT, and also a past Chair of the Food Service Division of IFT. In addition, Bruce is a part-time Adjunct Professor at Texas Womens’ University teaching NPD, Food Science and Food Safety to Culinology students.