Ruvindu Perera, a fourth-year doctoral student in the Cell and Molecular Biology Program at the U of A, won first place for his oral presentation under the category of Southern Conference on Avian Diseases at the 2025 International Poultry Scientific Forum in Atlanta, Georgia, recognizing Perera's groundbreaking research on poultry vaccine development.

Perera's presentation, titled "Comparison of B Lymphocyte Responses in Broiler Chickens Vaccinated with Electron Beam or Formalin Inactivated Staphylococcus aureus," highlighted the efficacy of the vaccine, developed via electron beam technology, in stimulating immune responses in broiler chickens. His research further explores whether electron beam-inactivated vaccines could effectively control bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis lameness, or BCO, a bacterial infection affecting both bird health and the economic viability of poultry production.

"It is an immense honor to have received first place for my presentation at IPSF," Perera said. "Our approach using electron beam technology to develop vaccines against avian pathogenic BCO lameness garnered significant interest, as reflected by the audience's curiosity and engaging questions. This recognition would not have been possible without the invaluable support of my advisdrs, Drs. Adnan Alrubaye and Palmy Jesudhasan, as well as my esteemed collaborators of the lab of Dr. Gisela Erf."

Perera's research forms part of a larger initiative led by Alrubaye, an assistant professor of poultry microbiology in Bumpers College and associate director of the Cell and Molecular Biology Program in the Graduate School and International Education. The research group focuses on understanding and mitigating BCO lameness in broiler chickens through innovative strategies, including vaccine development and the use of feed additives like probiotics and prebiotics.

"I am incredibly proud of Ruvindu for earning first place at IPSF," he said. "His ability to present complex findings with clarity and confidence is a testament to his hard work and passion for advancing knowledge in avian diseases. Ruvindu's future in this field is incredibly bright, and this recognition is just the beginning."

Palmy Jesudhasan, a research microbiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, praised Perera's dedication and innovative approach.

"Ruvindu's first-place victory at IPSF is a remarkable accomplishment," he said. "His presentation reflected the hard work and ingenuity he brings to poultry science, and this achievement signals many more successes to come."

Sponsored by the Southern Poultry Science Society, the Southern Conference on Avian Diseases and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the International Poultry Scientific Forum presents information on industry topics such as environmental management, nutrition, physiology, pathology, processing and products, and avian diseases.