Editorial

Extract

Well, another year draws to a close, and it’s been rather an eventful one for the WPSA and the Journal. Our centennial celebrations included the WPC in Brazil, as well as highlighting some selected papers from each decade of the hundred years of our history. In addition, we have had many working groups and individuals submit special centennial papers to the journal – many thanks to them for organising this. It’s been very interesting editing these papers – I have learned a lot about the history of many aspects of poultry science.

Of course, we all enjoyed the Brazilian WPC – which had a great many delegates and also hosted out annual Board Meetings. Thanks to all the journal supporters who attended the Editorial Board meeting – you make my life so much easier, especially thanks to those who provide us with translations of abstracts, which makes the journal truly international. Also welcome to the newly elected board members – Drs. Julie Roberts, Werner Bessei and Sarge Bilgili and congratulations to Drs. Michelle Tixier and Rob Gous for being re-elected. Our board is becoming more ‘Southern Hemisphere’ orientated!

Some issues that have arisen recently and need to be discussed include the increasing costs of running the journal. In the last few years, freight/postage and printing have increased in cost alarmingly. As a result it was agreed at the board meeting that we will be ceasing to provide print copies for members who have not specifically requested to retain a print copy. Whilst there is no extra charge currently for receiving a print copy, I would be grateful if all members can bear these costs to the WPSA as well as environmental considerations in mind when deciding the format they wish to receive. You will have noted that the insert of the journal indicates these changes in several languages. Also, for any members who receive multiple copies into the same department, I would be most grateful if you could nominate just one person to receive a print copy, and share that issue between you. Reductions in journal costs will mean that the organisation will have more funds to spend on other essential areas, such as travel grants and speakers.

Recently we have had an issue with plagiarism in the journal – the first time since my editorship, but even so, once is more than enough. Please note that the copyright form that all authors must sign before publication is a legally binding document. Personally, having, as most scientists do, experienced a degree of plagiarism of my own work from time to time, I find this type of behaviour unacceptable, and will take a hard line on it. The paper in question is now subject to the publication of an erratum in the journal. As a plea to all authors – ensure that you cite each and every piece of work you have relied on in your review. To not do so is unprofessional. On a further note about publications, the flow of information on the internet is causing some headaches for editors and publishers alike. Authors need to be aware that anything published online may count as a prior publication in the eyes of the law and should be cited or acknowledged. This is not always easy, especially with so much marketing material and uncontrolled, variable quality information out there, especially where commercial products are concerned. Please take every effort to ensure that all sources are cited in your reviews, to avoid and legal issues.

Other than that, we have a varied issue for you this month. Keep the papers coming in, and remember to register for print copy as soon as possible, or membership will revert to online access only after the March issue in 2013.

Dr Lucy Waldron

Editor