... Cross-protection vaccine protocols key to limiting DMV/1639 spread in US flocks
May 04, 2021Susan Spiegel
Combining serotype vaccines might be a popular approach to protecting flocks against evolving strains of infectious bronchitis virus, such as DMV/1639, but not all combinations work equally well.
... Five critical factors for in ovo vaccination success
Apr 28, 2021Susan Spiegel
In ovo vaccination has proven popular in commercial hatcheries as it can offer early immunity against prevalent pathogens, consistent vaccine delivery and a less labor-intensive process involving...
... Pathways to protection: How one vaccine decision can affect options for managing other diseases in broilers
Apr 22, 2021PHT Editor
Broiler operations want to provide the best disease protection for the least cost, but deciding which vaccines to use and when can be a daunting task.
... Tips for uncovering toxicity in poultry flocks
Apr 15, 2021Susan Spiegel
Toxicity is a relatively rare affliction for hens, and tracking down the source can prove challenging, as one case study outlined by a poultry diagnostics expert revealed.
... Molecular test helps identify pathogenicity in new strains of infectious bursal disease virus
Apr 08, 2021Susan Spiegel
A genetic technique which could help improve predictions about the virulence of infectious bursal disease (IBDV) has identified pathogenicity in seven new strains of the virus which causes an...
... Hatchery details key to maximizing chick performance, expert says
Apr 01, 2021Susan Spiegel
A back-to-basics approach toward managing, handling and storing eggs can help maximize the quality and hatchability of chicks being produced for broiler flocks, according to an industry expert.
... Incubation key to preventing leg problems in turkey poults
Mar 31, 2021Susan Spiegel
Managing heat and humidity in hatcheries is key to reducing costly leg problems in turkey poults.
... Improving Salmonella surveillance in turkeys
Mar 25, 2021Susan Spiegel
High-profile Salmonella outbreaks in turkeys in recent years have shown the need for improved surveillance in the turkey industry.
... Sharing data can help manage layer-farm disease and increase production
Mar 18, 2021Susan Spiegel
Sharing and analyzing data at farm level and beyond can offer new insights that improve bird health and profitability on layer farms.
... New vaccine simplifies IBDV vaccination; provides effective early pullet protection
Mar 18, 2021Susan Spiegel
TOOLBOX, Issue 25: An interview with John Brown, DVM, senior technical services veterinarian and layer specialist, Zoetis on early pullet protection from IBDV.
... 5 ways research aims to tackle poultry-sector challenges
Mar 04, 2021Susan Spiegel
Novel, science-based technologies will allow the poultry industry to get ahead of issues coming towards it.
... Histopathology helping poultry plants use science to defend carcasses, minimize condemnations
Feb 24, 2021Susan Spiegel
Veterinarians specializing in diagnosing disease in animal tissue are spending more time in processing plants helping minimize costly carcass condemnations while maintaining high food quality...
... Monitoring field strains key to successful vaccination against IBDV
Feb 18, 2021Susan Spiegel
By Daral J. Jackwood, PhD, Professor, The Ohio State University
... Early IBV infections in layers can increase cysts associated with false layer syndrome
Feb 04, 2021Susan Spiegel
The timing of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) challenge in layers can impact the development of cysts associated with false layer syndrome, scientists at the University of Georgia have discovered.
... SPECIAL REPORT: Don’t let immunosuppressive diseases compromise broiler performance
Feb 02, 2021Susan Spiegel
Immunosuppressive diseases such as IBDV, Marek's and reovirus can compromise a bird's ability to fight off secondary infections. Keeping them in check becomes even more critical as poultry companies...
... AL2 variants now account for more than half of IBDV field isolates in broilers
Dec 22, 2020Susan Spiegel
DISCOVERIES, Issue 10: AL2 variants now account for more than half of the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) field isolates in broilers, according to the results of a 5-year survey.
... Good gut health can help minimize Salmonella in broilers
Dec 17, 2020Susan Spiegel
TOOLBOX, Issue 14: An interview with Manuel Da Costa, DVM, PhD, Associate Director, Outcomes Research, Zoetis
... Marek’s disease vaccination needed now more than ever
Dec 09, 2020Susan Spiegel
By Guillermo Zavala, DVM, MAM, MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACPV
Adjunct Professor, University of Georgia
President, Avian Health International, LLC
Flowery Branch, Georgia (USA)
... Now more than ever, vaccination is critical for managing Salmonella in layer flocks
Nov 28, 2020Susan Spiegel
TOOLBOX, Issue 22: An interview with Kalen Cookson, DVM, MAM, Director of Clinical Research, Zoetis
... S. Heidelberg load reduced in chicks treated with acidified water the first 2 weeks of life
Nov 19, 2020Susan Spiegel
DISCOVERIES, Issue 9: Chicks that received acidified water for the first 2 weeks of life had a significantly reduced load of Salmonella Heidelberg, a challenge study demonstrates.
Flock welfare, Global TOP NEWS, Infectious Diseases, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, Research, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Consider predominance of AL-2 variants when planning IBDV vaccination program
Nov 09, 2020Susan Spiegel
The AL-2 family of variants is the predominant strain of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) circulating among US broiler flocks, according to a recent survey.
Antibiotic-free, Global TOP NEWS, Gut Health, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, Research, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Glutamine supplement shows promise in reducing necrotic enteritis
Oct 26, 2020Susan Spiegel
Supplementing poultry diets with glutamine could help reduce the severity of necrotic enteritis (NE), according to researchers.
... Studies in 32 million birds show returns on vaccinating broilers for E. coli
Oct 22, 2020Susan Spiegel
DISCOVERIES, Issue 8: In studies conducted in more than 32 million broiler chickens in Italy and the US, vaccination with Poulvac® E. coli yielded a positive return on investment.
... Seasonal management in hatchery critical to improving chick viability
Oct 12, 2020Susan Spiegel
Optimizing hatchery conditions throughout the year is crucial to limiting chick mortality and maintaining long-term bird viability, according to a poultry health expert.
... Temperature and air flow critical to broiler performance year-round
Oct 07, 2020Susan Spiegel
By Michael Czarick, Engineering Specialist, University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science
... Direct-fed microbials can impact Salmonella vaccine efficacy
Oct 05, 2020Susan Spiegel
Some direct-fed microbial additives with live cultures have been found to impact the efficacy of modified-live vaccines.
Biosecurity, Diagnostics, Food Safety, Global TOP NEWS, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Utilizing on-farm testing key to helping processors understand S. Infantis loads
Oct 01, 2020Susan Spiegel
Using a range of testing methods for Salmonella Infantis can help broiler companies build a better picture of how effective interventions against the pathogen are performing.
... Training and management critical for cage-free egg production
Aug 27, 2020Susan Spiegel
Training chicks and pullets so they are prepared for life in cage-free egg systems is critical to ensuring they meet their full productive potential.
... Chick quality vital to no-antibiotics-ever success, consultant says
Aug 20, 2020Susan Spiegel
Focusing on chick quality from the moment eggs enter the incubator is critical to ensuring birds have the best chance of being healthy and productive in no-antibiotics-ever (NAE) systems.
... Calcium toxicity cases underscore value of networking for knowledge
Aug 17, 2020Susan Spiegel
By Philip A. Stayer, DVM, MS, ACPV, Corporate Veterinarian, Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Food Safety, Global TOP NEWS, Gut Health, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, Sustainability, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Right skills critical to managing increases in Salmonella, coccidiosis associated with cage-free egg production
Aug 06, 2020Susan Spiegel
Producers making the switch to cage-free egg production need to ensure they are properly prepared for managing potential increases in Salmonella and other health challenges.
Antibiotic-free, Flock welfare, Global TOP NEWS, Hatchery, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Hatchery tips for successful transition to NAE production
Jul 27, 2020Susan Spiegel
Preventing birds from getting sick is perhaps the biggest challenge encountered when transitioning from conventional to “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) production.
... New Poulvac Maternavac® 4 vaccine formulated to address contemporary field challenge
Jul 23, 2020Susan Spiegel
DISCOVERIES, Issue 6: The rapid growth in reduced and “no antibiotics ever” production was the driving force behind development of a new vaccine to protect chickens against four costly diseases.
... Vaccination with Poulvac® E. coli yields economic benefits in broilers
Jul 07, 2020Susan Spiegel
DISCOVERIES, Issue 7: Vaccinating broilers against Escherichia coli yielded a favorable return on investment in a recent trial
... USDA urged to give producers time to trial Campylobacter and Salmonella interventions
Jun 28, 2020Susan Spiegel
Greater flexibility is needed in official Salmonella and Campylobacter testing regimes in order to support poultry producers and processors who are trialing new interventions to tackle both
... Study: Live S. Typhimurium vaccine reduces S. Infantis colonization
Jun 10, 2020Susan Spiegel
Investing in vaccination programs to develop cross-protection against some of the most common strains of Salmonella could help limit the number of foodborne outbreaks of the pathogen.
... Mountaire Farms is first company to carry the One Health Certified label
Jun 04, 2020Susan Spiegel
Mountaire Farms is the first animal protein company to carry the One Health Certified label, demonstrating its commitment to animal production standards established by the program.
... Hatcheries in NAE production systems can’t cut corners on cleaning, husbandry
Jun 04, 2020Susan Spiegel
Hatcheries providing chicks for no antibiotics ever (NAE) production need to be meticulous with cleanliness and good husbandry practices in order for the program to succeed.
... Controlling infectious bronchitis in broilers starts with breeder vaccination
Apr 03, 2020Susan Spiegel
Protocols vary widely, but vaccinating broiler breeders against infectious bronchitis virus remains an important strategy for protecting broiler progeny against the virus.
... E. coli vaccination in broilers: Is it worth the cost?
Feb 27, 2020Susan Spiegel
According to recent studies, E. coli vaccination may actually help broiler producers boost their bottom lines.
... Pullet vaccination: There’s always room for improvement
Feb 24, 2020PHT Editor
TOOLBOX, Issue 17: An interview with Tim Cummings, DVM, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis
... Decisions, decisions: Which gut health strategies should be used when?
Feb 17, 2020Susan Spiegel
As the poultry industry moves to limit antibiotic use, alternative measures to support gut health are now common practice, but more guidance is needed with respect to which strategies to use under...
... Diagnostics key to effective mycoplasma control
Feb 06, 2020PHT Editor
Avian mycoplasmosis is a problem for poultry producers worldwide, but according to an expert, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to managing it.
... Control key to protecting flocks from more virulent, resistant E. coli
Feb 03, 2020PHT Editor
Research shows many strains of E. coli are capable of causing disease directly. And with antibiotic resistance on the rise, control and prevention are essential.
... JAVMA report: Newcastle reemerges, spreads in California
Jan 30, 2020Susan Spiegel
Virulent Newcastle disease resurged in Southern California as people broke quarantines by moving birds and farming equipment, according to a report by JAVMA.
... Tuning up live-vaccine priming for infectious bursal disease and reovirus
Dec 26, 2019Susan Spiegel
TOOLBOX, Issue 13: An interview with Kalen Cookson, DVM, MAM, Director of Clinical Research, Zoetis
... Managing anticoccidials: ‘It’s how you use them that’s important’
Dec 23, 2019Susan Spiegel
Coccidiosis takes a toll of around $3 billion on global poultry production each year, making it one of the industry’s most economically significant diseases worldwide.
... E. coli vaccination yields bottom-line benefits on South African broiler farms
Dec 10, 2019Susan Spiegel
New research from South Africa shows that vaccinating broilers against Escherichia coli is good not just for birds, but also for bottom lines.
... Unusual presentation of bacterial septicemia in broilers tied to breeders
Oct 29, 2019Susan Spiegel
An unusual presentation of bacterial septicemia in broilers underscores the importance of obtaining a good history and input from bird caretakers, according to David French, DVM, a staff veterinarian...
Diagnostics, Flock welfare, Global TOP NEWS, Infectious Diseases, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, Respiratory, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Sentinel broilers, PCR testing help isolate, identify evolving IBV populations in Arkansas
Oct 07, 2019Susan Spiegel
How do you look for new serotypes of a virus that might be circulating in an area? Sentinel birds are a good place to start, according to Abigail Reith, DVM, a technical services veterinarian for...
... Reductions in medically important antimicrobials reflect industry stewardship
Oct 02, 2019Susan Spiegel
Reductions in the use of medically important antimicrobials demonstrate the poultry industry’s commitment to stewardship of these valuable medications, Randall Singer, DVM, MPVM, PhD, told Poultry...
... US poultry industry shifting focus to Campylobacter, Salmonella Infantis
Sep 19, 2019Susan Spiegel
The US poultry industry needs to revisit Campylobacter-control strategies in preparation for new performance standards coming from USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, Ashley Peterson,...
... NAE producers need to focus on Eimeria oocysts for more effective control of coccidiosis, necrotic enteritis
Sep 09, 2019Susan Spiegel
By Don Waldrip, DVM, Senior Technical Service Veterinarian, Zoetis
... Vaccinated birds shown to have lower incidence of Salmonella at processing
Sep 04, 2019Susan Spiegel
Broilers vaccinated against Salmonella showed reduced levels of the pathogen at processing in a recent study, according to Charles Hofacre, PhD, president, Southern Poultry Research Group. Inc.
... Coccidiosis vaccination impedes nutrient digestibility
Aug 30, 2019Susan Spiegel
Poultry veterinarians and production managers are all too familiar with coccidiosis and its impact on gut health, nutrient absorption, feed conversion and growth rate.
... Ensuring chick quality in NAE production
Jul 30, 2019Susan Spiegel
The increase in 7-day chick mortality that has come along with the elimination of antibiotics requires a focus on containing bacteria that start in the layer house.
... Trial shows glutamine aids gut health in broilers raised without antibiotics
Jul 05, 2019Susan Spiegel
With the increase in no-antibiotic-ever production, glutamine may serve as a helpful nutrient asset, particularly when birds are under stress.
... On the road again? Don’t forget Poultry Health Today podcasts
Jun 14, 2019Susan Spiegel
Most of Poultry Health Today’s video interviews with leading health experts and other opinion leaders can be downloaded as podcasts and listened to on mobile devices or through audio systems of...
... Pilgrim’s veterinarian shares experiences with NAE production
Jun 07, 2019Susan Spiegel
Preparation, meticulous attention to sanitation and improved communication with hatchery staff and growers are critical for NAE production.
... Four areas of hatchery management to help achieve better biosecurity
May 23, 2019Susan Spiegel
Diligent attention to four areas of hatchery management — egg-pack quality, incubation, sanitation and in ovo vaccination — can go a long way.
... Moving up: Vaccinating broilers may help poultry companies improve Salmonella ratings
May 13, 2019Susan Spiegel
Vaccinating broilers against Salmonella could be an effective live-side intervention for obtaining higher ratings in the Salmonella categorizations established by the USDA’s FSIS
Biosecurity, Global TOP NEWS, Infectious Diseases, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, Respiratory, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Virulent ND in California sending wake-up call to US poultry industry
May 08, 2019Susan Spiegel
Outbreaks of virulent Newcastle disease (vND) that have spread from backyard to commercial flocks in California are providing a wake-up call to the entire US poultry industry.
... Bioshuttle program helps control E. tenella outbreaks in pullets
May 02, 2019Susan Spiegel
Administration of an in-feed anticoccidial after coccidiosis vaccination has helped alleviate outbreaks of Eimeria tenella in broiler breeder replacement stock.
... Aggressive vaccination of broiler breeders needed to keep reovirus in check
Apr 18, 2019Susan Spiegel
Aggressive vaccination of broiler breeders for reovirus using live and inactivated vaccines has been one of the most important steps the US poultry industry has taken to maintain good protection...
... Sanderson vet shares thoughts on managing elusive reovirus, other gut diseases
Mar 11, 2019Susan Spiegel
Autogenous vaccines used in a reovirus vaccination program need to be updated relatively often to keep up with changes in the pathogen
... Poultry experts identify weak links in live production that can compromise Salmonella control
Mar 05, 2019Susan Spiegel
Improved Salmonella control requires fixing weak links in live production that allow the pathogen to get into a flock, poultry experts advised during an industry roundtable.
... Early exposure to Clostridium protects birds from necrotic enteritis
Feb 21, 2019Susan Spiegel
Early exposure to Clostridium perfringens in used litter may be a way to minimize the impact of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broilers, Steve Davis, DVM, told Poultry Health Today.
... Necrotic enteritis control helps reduce Salmonella colonization
Feb 07, 2019Susan Spiegel
Maintaining good intestinal health in broilers is essential for minimizing the presence of Salmonella in birds sent for processing, Manuel Da Costa, DVM, PhD, associate director for Outcomes Research...
... Infectious bronchitis control: Understanding why it’s so difficult
Feb 05, 2019Susan Spiegel
By Mark W. Jackwood, PhD, Department Head, JR Glisson Professor of Avian Medicine, University of Georgia
... Refined carbs show promise as ‘sentinel’ for Salmonella control
Jan 23, 2019Susan Spiegel
Higher government standards for Salmonella control have put more pressure on poultry companies to reduce incidence on broiler farms and lower the pathogen load going into processing.
... E. coli vaccination helps contain losses in broilers with IB infection
Jan 16, 2019Susan Spiegel
Field experience with infectious bronchitis in broilers during a harsh winter demonstrated that vaccination for secondary Escherichia coli infection helped stem losses
... Coccidiosis control, litter management key to NE prevention in broilers raised without antibiotics
Jan 10, 2019Susan Spiegel
Good coccidiosis control and litter management are the two most important steps producers can take to prevent necrotic enteritis (NE) in flocks raised without antibiotics.
... Chicks may hold clues to lameness in older birds
Jan 07, 2019Susan Spiegel
Lameness in some poultry flocks has researchers searching for the cause, Suzanne Dougherty, DVM, a consulting poultry veterinarian based in Alabama, told Poultry Health Today.
... It takes two: Coccidiosis vaccines effective against E. tenella after adequate cycling
Dec 26, 2018Susan Spiegel
Coccidiosis vaccination was effective in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella but only after vaccinal oocysts cycled twice, Laura Tensa, DVM, told Poultry Health Today.
... What does it take to be a successful poultry grower? Experts share their views
Dec 17, 2018Susan Spiegel
Successful contract poultry farmers are hard workers, detail oriented and must literally serve as the gatekeepers of biosecurity, several experts and industry insiders say.
... IBV vaccination protects broilers despite ammonia exposure
Nov 19, 2018Susan Spiegel
A recent study corroborates previous findings that broilers properly vaccinated for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) are protected from IBV challenge despite exposure to moderate levels of ammonia.
Biosecurity, Global TOP NEWS, Infectious Diseases, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, Respiratory, TOP NEWS, Videos
... Biosecurity, disinfection, downtime keys to better ILT control
Nov 01, 2018Susan Spiegel
Strict biosecurity is the best defense against infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in broiler flocks, advises Maricarmen García, PhD, a professor at the University of Georgia.
... Salmonella Infantis can complicate respiratory problems in broilers
Oct 26, 2018Susan Spiegel
Salmonella Infantis can become a persistent problem in broilers and exacerbate mortality when combined with infectious bronchitis, experience indicates at an integrated South American poultry
... Halting in ovo vaccination not a good option for managing hatchery bacteria
Oct 22, 2018Susan Spiegel
Higher 7-day mortality from bacterial infections in the hatchery is no reason to stop in ovo vaccination for Marek’s and other diseases, according to a consulting poultry veterinarian.
... Uncertain supplies present challenges for rotation-minded producers
Oct 11, 2018Susan Spiegel
Poultry producers know the importance of developing a long-term strategy for maintaining the efficacy of anticoccidials, but sometimes unexpected backorders of feed medications in high demand force...
... Special report: Poultry veterinarians teaming up to reduce condemnations, optimize food safety
Sep 18, 2018Susan Spiegel
Minimizing carcass condemnations and reducing the load of foodborne pathogens moving from broiler farms into processing might seem like separate production objectives — and they are.
... Trace minerals, used litter, coccidiosis control key to managing enteritis in NAE flocks
Sep 06, 2018Susan Spiegel
Starting broiler flocks on used litter, coupled with effective coccidiosis control and the use of trace minerals, can help minimize necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler flocks raised without...
... E. coli becoming more common with rise in ‘no antibiotics ever’ programs
Aug 31, 2018Susan Spiegel
With the removal of antibiotics in the hatchery in “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) programs, the bacterium Escherichia coli is becoming more of a problem at many broiler complexes.
... Marek’s and Salmonella: John Smith, DVM, offers insights on two new broiler-vaccination trends
Aug 23, 2018Susan Spiegel
John Smith, DVM, poultry veterinarian for Alectryon in Baldwin, Georgia, shared ideas with Poultry Health Today on two changes in broiler-vaccination strategies in the US poultry industry.
... Coccidiosis control: New strategies for a new era
Aug 17, 2018Susan Spiegel
Coccidiosis can be controlled in broilers without antibiotics as long as producers pay closer attention to hatchery coccidiosis vaccination procedures, brooding and stocking rates, Greg Mathis, PhD,...
... Early identification needed to protect broilers from reovirus
Aug 16, 2018Susan Spiegel
Reovirus is mutating every 2 to 3 years, which is making it difficult to protect broilers from the effects of the virus, Don Waldrip, DVM, technical service veterinarian for Zoetis, told Poultry...
... Blackhead disease causes reduced egg production in layer hens
Aug 03, 2018Susan Spiegel
Blackhead disease can cause an important drop in egg production among commercial layer hens, Christina Sigmon of North Carolina State University, said during the 2018 International Poultry Scientific...
... Research focusing on new controls for coccidiosis, relationship with Salmonella
Aug 02, 2018Susan Spiegel
Alternative products for coccidiosis control remain the focus of research, but so far, the results are inconsistent, Sam Hendrix, DVM, veterinarian and researcher at Colorado Quality Research, told...
... Special Report: Nixing necrotic enteritis in broilers
Jul 09, 2018Susan Spiegel
This week poultry specialists will gather in Denver, Colorado, for the second International Conference on Necrotic Enteritis. In this special report, Poultry Health Today looks at the impact of this...
... Vaccination followed with feed medication gives pullets added protection against coccidiosis
Jul 02, 2018Susan Spiegel
Inadequate coccidiosis protection in pullets can lead to health issues ranging from uneven weight gain to mortality.
... Special Report: What’s the future of ionophores in poultry?
Jun 29, 2018Susan Spiegel
In this special report, Poultry Health Today looks at the role of ionophores in managing a ubiquitous disease that costs the world's poultry industry more than $2.4 billion a year.
... The link between Salmonella and intestinal health
Jun 26, 2018PHT Editor
By Charles L. Hofacre, DVM, MAM, PhD
President, Southern Poultry Research Group, Inc.
Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia
... Is MS the next ‘big, bad Mycoplasma’ for US poultry?
Jun 20, 2018Susan Spiegel
The US poultry industry is reporting more problems with virulent Mycoplasma synoviae according to Naola Ferguson, DVM
... Team effort by human, animal sectors needed to ensure responsible antibiotic use worldwide
Jun 14, 2018Susan Spiegel
While the poultry and livestock sectors have drawn the ire of consumer and medical groups for the growth of antimicrobial resistance, it is wrong to “partition blame,” Randy Singer, DVM, PhD,...
... Vaccinating broilers against Salmonella can help reduce pathogen’s prevalence at processing
May 24, 2018Susan Spiegel
Vaccination of broilers against Salmonella can help poultry producers reduce the pathogen’s prevalence at processing and may also benefit bird performance, Kalen Cookson, DVM, director of clinical...
... Loose stools linked to blackhead disease transmission in turkeys
May 17, 2018Susan Spiegel
Enteric inflammation and loose stools can affect the rate that turkeys contract blackhead disease.
... On-farm Salmonella control helps prevent processing plant contamination
May 11, 2018Susan Spiegel
Contaminated chicken feathers and feet may be the primary vectors for transmitting Salmonella from poultry houses to processing plants, according to Martha Pulido, DVM, PhD, Mississippi State...
... Buckling down on biosecurity
May 07, 2018Susan Spiegel
For this special report, our editors talked with disease experts about what poultry companies can do to buckle down on biosecurity and protect their flocks from infectious diseases.
... ‘Turkeys are suffering’ without good control of coccidiosis
May 04, 2018Susan Spiegel
Turkeys are suffering from coccidiosis due to a lack of available medications, according to Greg Mathis, PhD, Southern Poultry Research, Athens, Georgia.
... Rennier: NAE programs represented 40% of US broiler feeds in 2017
Apr 30, 2018Susan Spiegel
Chickens raised without antibiotics of any type consumed 40% of the broiler feed produced un the US in 2017, according to Greg Rennier, PhD, president of Rennier Associates Inc.
... Foregoing CAV breeder vaccination based on ELISA results can backfire
Apr 19, 2018Susan Spiegel
Not vaccinating broiler breeders for chicken anemia virus (CAV) because ELISA results show detectable antibodies could be asking for trouble, says Guillermo Zavala, DVM, PhD, Avian Health...
... C. perfringens on broiler meat can survive processing, potentially sicken consumers
Apr 16, 2018Susan Spiegel
Listen to or download the podcast Most broiler producers know the economic impact of necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens, particularly in birds raised without antibiotics. Now...
... Special Report: Managing the two toughest diseases of NAE production
Apr 06, 2018Susan Spiegel
Ask any poultry veterinarian. They will probably tell you that the biggest hurdles to successful 'No Antibiotics Ever' production are coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis.
... Seven misconceptions about IBD in broilers
Mar 30, 2018Susan Spiegel
Kalen Cookson, DVM, is the director of clinical research, poultry, Zoetis. He explained the common misconceptions about infectious bursal disease (IBD) to Poultry Health Today.
... Layer-hen stocking density affects Salmonella shedding
Mar 15, 2018Susan Spiegel
Lower stocking density for laying hens was associated with less fecal shedding of Salmonella Heidelberg in a USDA study.
... Special Report: E. coli more a threat with reduced antibiotic usage
Feb 27, 2018Susan Spiegel
Once an isolated problem in long-lived birds, E. coli has become more prevalent in broiler and turkey flocks as poultry companies reduce or eliminate antibiotics in the the hatchery and in grower...
... Can improper vaccination make IBV worse?
Feb 23, 2018Susan Spiegel
Improper vaccination not only fails to protect flocks from infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), but it can also make the problem worse, a leading poultry health expert says.
... How mutations, antigenic drift affect IBD management
Feb 19, 2018Susan Spiegel
Farms affected by variant infectious bursal disease (IBD) viruses may find that currently available IBD vaccines aren’t always effective, said Daral Jackwood, PhD, professor in food animal research...
... Why infectious bronchitis is so resilient — and what broiler companies can do about it
Feb 16, 2018Susan Spiegel
Control of infectious bronchitis (IB) requires good biosecurity, good management and rigorous administration of a vaccine that matches the circulating virus as closely as possible, John Smith, DVM,...
... E. coli vaccination reduces antibiotic use in broilers
Feb 12, 2018Susan Spiegel
New studies showed that vaccination against Escherichia coli significantly reduced antibiotic use on commercial broiler farms, particularly in birds at high risk of infection.
... H9N2 could devastate America’s poultry industry
Feb 06, 2018Susan Spiegel
H9N2, a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus common in parts of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, would be difficult to control if introduced to the US, said David Suarez, a research leader...
... Is feed a vector for avian influenza virus?
Jan 25, 2018Susan Spiegel
Layer feed does not appear to be a likely vector for transmitting the avian influenza (AI) virus, based on research conducted by Yuko Sato, DVM, of Iowa State University.
... Special Report: Stopping Salmonella
Jan 23, 2018Susan Spiegel
Salmonella is a naturally occurring bacterial pathogen that, if left uncontrolled, can compromise food safety and rattle the foundation of any poultry company. In this special report, Poultry Health...
... Closing in on coccidiosis: How metagenomics can help
Jan 19, 2018Susan Spiegel
Identifying coccidial species by metagenomics can help producers fine-tune their coccidiosis-control programs, said Ryan Snyder, a graduate student in the pathobiology department at the University of...
... When lysine is too much of a good thing
Jan 11, 2018Susan Spiegel
Lysine hydrochloride is an essential amino acid used in poultry diets to help ensure balanced nutrition and flock performance. But as with anything else, it’s possible for birds to get too much of...
... Necrotic enteritis and age of litter: What’s the connection in broilers?
Jan 02, 2018Susan Spiegel
Broilers raised on used litter develop better immunity to necrotic enteritis (NE) than birds raised on new litter when challenged early with Clostridium perfringens, Steve Davis, DVM, president of...
... Avian influenza viruses can persist in footbaths and manure
Dec 08, 2017Susan Spiegel
Growers shouldn’t assume the disinfectants they use in footbaths are effective against avian influenza (AI), indicates a study from the University of California–Davis.
... Ruling the roost: Alternative or conventional chicken?
Dec 05, 2017Susan Spiegel
By Philip A. Stayer, DVM, MS, ACPV
Corporate Veterinarian
Sanderson Farms, Inc.
... Campylobacter in poultry: An elusive pathogen
Nov 30, 2017PHT Editor
By Orhan Sahin, DVM, PhD, Dip ACVM
Assistant Professor
Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
... Necrotic enteritis: Can it be managed effectively in NAE flocks?
Nov 10, 2017Susan Spiegel
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is not only a big problem in flocks raised without antibiotics, there’s a wide variation in how it presents itself, Steve Davis, DVM, president of Colorado Quality Research,...
... New Marek’s test helps ensure successful vaccination, biosecurity
Oct 23, 2017Susan Spiegel
A new test is helping producers in Europe better protect their flocks against Marek’s disease (MD).
... Infectious bursal disease: ‘It’s never black and white’
Oct 20, 2017Susan Spiegel
Daral Jackwood, PhD, a professor at Ohio State University, is best known in the US poultry industry as the go-to expert on infectious bursal disease (IBD). In an interview with Poultry Health Today,...
... E. maxima linked to mortality in broilers vaccinated for coccidiosis
Oct 17, 2017Susan Spiegel
Eimeria maxima in broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis appears to be an important cause of mortality, according to the preliminary results of a study presented at the 2017 annual meeting of the...
... Understanding the clinical picture key to effective IB control
Oct 13, 2017Susan Spiegel
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly contagious coronavirus found in chickens worldwide that costs the US poultry industry millions of dollars annually.
... Three-pronged E. coli strategy to help cut losses, improve profitability
Oct 11, 2017Susan Spiegel
Managing Escherichia coli infection in commercial poultry flocks has to be tackled on three fronts to help cut losses and improve profitability, says Allan Ball, of the Slate Hall Veterinary Practice...
... Poultry veterinarians facing new challenges with NAE trend, food safety guidelines
Oct 06, 2017PHT Editor
The NAE production movement has helped reduce antibiotic use in poultry for good reason, but veterinarians need to make sure the pendulum doesn’t swing so far they have no antibiotics left to...
... Proper windrowing can minimize disease, benefit environmental management
Oct 01, 2017Susan Spiegel
By George W. Malone, MS
Malone Poultry Consulting
Princess Anne, Maryland
... Successful ABF production: Mastered technique or corporate culture?
Sep 29, 2017PHT Editor
Indiana's Miller Poultry's owner and president Galen Miller and production manager Stephen Shepard discuss their experiences, priorities, management style and business philosophy that led to 30%...
... Hofacre: There’s always room for improvement with Salmonella
Sep 21, 2017PHT Editor
Most US poultry companies are doing an “outstanding job” controlling Salmonella, but there's always room for improvement.
... Protecting longer-life layers against infectious bronchitis
Sep 08, 2017Susan Spiegel
With many laying hens now remaining in production up to 500 days, it’s time to rethink infectious bronchitis (IB) protection protocols, says Dieter Vancraeynest, DVM, PhD, a poultry veterinarian at...
... Alternative therapies called best long-term hope for blackhead disease in turkeys
Sep 08, 2017Susan Spiegel
Alternative treatments may be the only long-term hope for managing blackhead in turkeys, said Robert Beckstead, PhD, turkey health specialist, North Carolina State University.
... Coccidiosis, necrotic enteritis challenge cage-free layer systems
Aug 30, 2017Susan Spiegel
Cage-free housing for egg layers allows birds to exhibit more natural behaviors, but it also carries an increased risk for morbidity and mortality...
... ‘Raised without antibiotics’ marketing has nothing to do with science
Jul 28, 2017PHT Editor
By David French, DVM
Staff Veterinarian
Sanderson Farms
... Poultry veterinarian named to AVMA Future Leaders program
Jul 23, 2017Susan Spiegel
Tak Niino, VMD, a senior poultry technical services representative for Zoetis, was one of 10 veterinarians in different fields selected to the Future Leaders program of the American Veterinary...
... Poultry veterinarians need to be the ‘voice of the birds’
Jul 20, 2017Susan Spiegel
Veterinarians need to be more proactive and be the “voice of the birds” on issues related to health and well-being, according to Nancy Reimers, DVM, chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, AAAP.
... Infectious bronchitis: The ‘eye of the storm’ for chicken health
Jul 19, 2017Susan Spiegel
Ask any poultry producer about the most economically important disease in broilers, breeders or layers. Infectious bronchitis (IB) almost always tops the list and could best be described as the...
... Veteran poultry scientist optimistic about managing necrotic enteritis in NAE flocks
Jul 14, 2017Susan Spiegel
The trend toward “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) poultry production has no doubt spawned problems with necrotic enteritis (NE), but the industry is making progress in its search for alternative...
... MG in poultry: Often overlooked but still costly
Jul 11, 2017Susan Spiegel
The incidence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum is currently low in broiler and broiler breeder flocks thanks to decades of effort by the US poultry industry, but producers should maintain their guard to...
... Getting the hatchery ready for ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ production
Jul 02, 2017Susan Spiegel
Sanitation is the key to success when a hatchery completely removes antibiotics from its process, Josh Mulkey told Poultry Health Today.
... Gangrenous dermatitis: Guarding against a costly disease
Jul 01, 2017Susan Spiegel
by Tom Tabler, PhD
Extension Professor
Mississippi State University Extension Service, Poultry Science Department
Mississippi State, Mississippi
... Should we tap the brakes on slow-growth chicken?
Jun 28, 2017Susan Spiegel
Consumers advocating the use of slow-growth chickens mistakenly assume these birds have better welfare conditions, said Terrence O’Keefe, editor and content director, Watt AgNet.
... Vigilance key for limiting avian flu risk
Jun 16, 2017PHT Editor
European officials are urging poultry producers to review of the signs and symptoms of avian flu and biosecurity measures for containing it.
... Teaming with poultry companies to ensure carcass quality and food safety
Jun 08, 2017Susan Spiegel
The role of today’s technical services veterinarian needs to go beyond posting sessions, field trials, product support and customized disease-management programs.
... New veterinary diagnostic networks to aid poultry, livestock production in Sub-Sahara
Jun 06, 2017Susan Spiegel
With the help of a US$14.4 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the next 3 years, Zoetis announced plans to develop veterinary and outreach services to aid the growth of...
... Poultry Health Today unveils new tools for saving content, creating custom reports
Jun 06, 2017Susan Spiegel
Poultry Health Today — the industry’s only news website focused on flock health and welfare — has added new tools that allow registered users to bookmark favorites, save items for later viewing...
... Hatchery expert offers tips for fighting bacteria, improving biosecurity
May 01, 2017PHT Editor
With more US poultry companies reducing or eliminating antibiotic use in the hatchery, poultry companies need to make an even greater effort to guard against costly bacterial infections.
... IBDV: Management obstacles and options
Apr 26, 2017PHT Editor
By Daral J. Jackwood, PhD
Professor, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine
Food Animal Health Research Program
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
The Ohio State University
... Shortage of medications remains top issue for US turkey industry
Apr 24, 2017PHT Editor
A shortage of effective, FDA-approved medications is still the top health issue for the US turkey industry, according to a survey conducted by a turkey veterinarian.
... Antibiotic issues broaden poultry veterinarians’ role
Apr 18, 2017PHT Editor
By Philip A. Stayer, DVM, MS, ACPV
Corporate Veterinarian
Sanderson Farms, Inc.
... ‘Old bug’ with new name easily mistaken for E. coli peritonitis
Apr 12, 2017PHT Editor
Commercial chicken flocks that appear to have Escherichia coli peritonitis might actually be infected with a re-emerging old pathogen with a new name.
... While new data show growth for NAE production, responsible antibiotic usage still holding its own
Apr 06, 2017PHT Editor
One in 5 tons of broiler feed produced by US poultry companies in 2016 was ticketed for “no antibiotics ever” programs — up nearly 67% from 2015 and nearly a seven-fold increase since 2014.
... Better accuracy, hatchability, protection seen in birds vaccinated with dual-needle system
Mar 27, 2017PHT Editor
Broiler studies demonstrate that a dual-needle
in ovo delivery system yields more accurate vaccine placement, better hatchability and better disease protection compared to a single-needle...
... E. coli vaccine reduced colibacillosis lesions and mortality in turkeys
Feb 07, 2017PHT Editor
A modified-live Escherichia coli vaccine for turkeys was demonstrated to be safe and effectively reduced the incidence of lesions and mortality due to colibacillosis, according to recent studies.
... Foster Farms’ vet shares tips for managing a food-safety crisis in the poultry industry
Feb 05, 2017PHT Editor
You’re a veterinarian at a major poultry company that’s just been slammed by a food-safety crisis. Can you imagine what that’s like? And more important, would you know what to do?
... Surveillance, careful vaccine selection tops “shoot-in-the-dark” strategy for IB control
Feb 02, 2017PHT Editor
Microbiologist Mark Jackwood, PhD, University of Georgia, urges producers not to “shoot in the dark” with infectious bronchitis vaccines and, instead, to focus on surveillance, monitoring and...
... Latest edition of Poultry Health Today features in-depth report on antibiotic-free production trend
Jan 26, 2017PHT Editor
The new issue of Poultry Health Today looks at the evolution of antibiotic-free production, its rapid growth over the past three years and where the industry is heading with what’s become a...
... AAAP: Woody breast, similar broiler-muscle conditions not linked to infectious pathogens or food safety
Dec 22, 2016PHT Editor
Three well-defined, degenerative breast diseases of broiler chickens — woody breast, white striping and deep pectoral myopathy — are not associated with infectious or pathogenic agents, nor do...
... Biosecurity in poultry production: What makes it work — and what doesn’t
Oct 09, 2016PHT Editor
By Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, DMV, MSc, PhD
Professor, director
Research Group on the Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health
Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire
Associate director
Université...
... IBV variants in poultry: Aiming for cross-protection
Sep 12, 2016PHT Editor
By Mark W. Jackwood, PhD
Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center
Department of Population Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
... What’s the most humane way to raise a chicken? Watch and listen
Aug 20, 2016PHT Editor
By
Philip A. Stayer, DVM
Corporate Veterinarian
Sanderson Farms, Inc.
... Anticoccidial rotation, good husbandry can improve coccidiosis control
Aug 16, 2016PHT Editor
Poultry producers worldwide know the importance of cutting losses from coccidiosis – the parasitic disease that is still causing significant losses in growth rate and feed efficiency.
... Hens in enriched colony system appear more stressed, flighty
Aug 05, 2016PHT Editor
Hens in an enriched colony system were more stressed and flighty than conventionally caged birds in a study from Mississippi State and Texas A&M Universities.
... S. enteritidis shedding more frequent among hens in conventional cages
Jul 24, 2016PHT Editor
Fecal shedding of Salmonella enteritidis was significantly more frequent among experimentally infected laying hens in conventional cages compared to hens housed in enriched colony cages, indicates a...
... Mathis: Long-term planning key to effective coccidiosis management
Jul 07, 2016PHT Editor
Whether the production system is antibiotic-free or conventional, long-term planning and strategic rotation programs are the best ways to ensure effective, sustainable control of coccidiosis, the...
... Talking with customers about antibiotic use and other poultry-production practices
Jun 14, 2016PHT Editor
Today’s consumers face a bewildering array of labels and marketing claims when purchasing poultry products — particularly as it relates to antibiotics.
... Bill Gates leading drive to buy chicken flocks for impoverished families
Jun 14, 2016PHT Editor
If you were living on $2 a day, what would you do to improve your life? If you’re Bill Gates, you'd raise chickens.
... Tyson vet shares experiences with antibiotic-free broilers
Jun 02, 2016PHT Editor
Producing Salmonella-free chicks without antibiotics is a delicate procedure — sort of a little like baking a cake, says Scott Gustin, DVM, director of veterinary services for Tyson.
... Water pressure: How does it affect broilers’ consumption, performance?
May 23, 2016PHT Editor
Low-pressure water systems designed to reduce water usage have some poultry growers turning up the pressure to hydrate flocks and improve bird performance, but is this a sound practice economically?
... IBD vaccination: HVT vector vaccine or live?
May 10, 2016PHT Editor
By Kalen Cookson, DVM, MAM
Director of clinical research
Zoetis Inc.
... Necrotic enteritis in broilers: Disease or syndrome?
Apr 26, 2016PHT Editor
Steve Davis, DVM, of Colorado Quality Research, talks about emerging virulent strains of Clostridium perfringens and their impact on the prevalence severity of necrotic enteritis in broilers.
... AAAP: Poultry health, welfare ‘should not be sacrificed in the name of marketing’
Apr 26, 2016PHT Editor
Antibiotic use in poultry should be minimized through carefully planned and well-executed preventive practices, according to to a new position statement released by the American Association of Avian...
... Field vaccination for respiratory disease: spray or pump?
Apr 14, 2016PHT Editor
By Philip A. Stayer, DVM
Corporate Veterinarian
Sanderson Farms, Inc.
... IBD V877 vaccine can break through maternal antibodies
Apr 10, 2016PHT Editor
A live infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine based on the V877 strain can override maternal antibodies, doesn’t revert to virulence and has limited interactions with other live vaccines.
... Meeting the new USDA/FSIS standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry
Apr 10, 2016PHT Editor
USDA/FSIS issued new standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in ground poultry meat and chicken and turkey parts.
... Mountaire veterinarian discusses managing E. coli in broilers in the face of IBV infection
Apr 07, 2016PHT Editor
Don Ritter, DVM, of Mountaire Farms, details the company’s recent bout with IB in broilers and the costly secondary infection of E. coli that followed.
... Live E. coli, Salmonella vaccines remained effective when used together in challenge study
Apr 06, 2016PHT Editor
Administration of a modified-live Escherichia coli vaccine along with a live Salmonella vaccine does not appear to affect the efficacy of either, indicate the results of a recent challenge study.[1]...
... Thinking about going antibiotic-free? Expert panel offers insights, suggestions
Mar 10, 2016PHT Editor
Broiler and turkey companies need to think carefully and weigh all the possible impacts before considering a move to antibiotic-free production, said poultry health experts at a panel discussion held...
... Poultry Health Today launches mobile app
Jan 24, 2016PHT Editor
Poultry Health Today, the world’s only magazine, newsletter and website focused entirely on flock health, welfare and sustainability, has partnered with sponsor Zoetis to launch a mobile app for...
... ‘Vets on Call’ video series visits major US egg producer
Jan 20, 2016PHT Editor
The health and welfare of laying hens at Rose Acre Farms —the second largest egg producer in the US — is the subject of a two-part video of the popular “Vets on Call” YouTube series.
... Avian flu back in spotlight with new cases in Indiana
Jan 18, 2016PHT Editor
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of H7N8 avian influenza in nine flocks in southwestern Indiana — the first in the US since June 2015.
... E. coli vaccine stable when rehydrated with diverse water types or combined with coccidiosis vaccine
Jan 06, 2016PHT Editor
A modified-live Escherichia coli vaccine remained “extremely” stable when rehydrated with diverse types of water and when it was combined with a coccidiosis vaccine, indicate the results of a...
... Preventing infection, dehydration helps ensure good chick quality
Dec 10, 2015PHT Editor
By Philip A. Stayer, DVM
Corporate Veterinarian, Sanderson Farms, Inc.
... Three more broiler diseases you can manage with vaccination
Nov 11, 2015PHT Editor
There's more to poultry health than Marek's, IBD, ILT and ND. Vaccines also play major roles in curbing these common diseases.
... Breaches in biosecurity: Sanderson Farms vet shares three valuable lessons
Nov 05, 2015PHT Editor
By Philip A. Stayer, DVM
Corporate Veterinarian, Sanderson Farms, Inc.
... Fine-tuning rotation plan can improve coccidiosis management
Sep 29, 2015PHT Editor
Broiler producers have made important strides in managing coccidiosis but could further improve control and cut losses by rethinking their strategy for anticoccidial rotation, say veterinarians who...
... Sustainability: What on earth does it really mean? And how does it apply to poultry health?
Sep 10, 2015PHT Editor
In the poultry industry, sustainability trends are reshaping every link in the production chain. But what exactly does it mean for poultry to be “sustainable”?
... Sustainability: What does it mean to poultry health?
Aug 27, 2015PHT Editor
In agriculture, sustainability translates to producing more with less — a goal that morphs into a dire need when looking at global population trends. According to a recent UN report, food...
... Coccidiosis research yielding new perspectives on AST
Jul 30, 2015PHT Editor
Adding molecular biology (PCR) to anticoccidial sensitivity testing (AST), offers a more in-depth look — and surprising findings — of Eimeria species contributing to coccidiosis in poultry...
... Poultry vet urges poultry producers to guard against E. coli
May 21, 2015PHT Editor
Long regarded as a secondary infection to respiratory disease, E. coli is now rated as a primary infection in many layer and broiler-breeder flocks, according to Jose Linares, DVM and technical...
... Media consultant: Let poultry vets tell the antibiotic story
May 07, 2015PHT Editor
The U.S. poultry industry needs to do a better job telling its story about antibiotics and their role in sustainable production and flock welfare, according to Frank Singleton, a media consultant...
... Poultry specialist offers tips for managing gut health through better nutrition
Apr 30, 2015PHT Editor
Nutritionist Brett Lumpkins, PhD, of Southern Poultry Research, Athens, Georgia, talks about antibiotic-free poultry production, the challenges it presents and how rations can be adjusted for better...
... Defining, and demonstrating, sustainability in the poultry industry
Apr 22, 2015PHT Editor
Billy Hargis, PhD, University of Arkansas, thinks the US poultry industry has already set high standards for sustainability, but its efforts are largely misunderstood and unappreciated.
... Broiler chicks show less tendon swelling, weight suppression in reovirus vaccine study
Apr 02, 2015PHT Editor
A recent study showed that broiler chicks receiving higher reovirus antibody levels from conventionally vaccinated hens had a lower incidence of tendon swelling and were protected from weight...
... Link between fishmeal, Eimeria and necrotic enteritis in broilers explored
Feb 28, 2015PHT Editor
Insights into how fishmeal in poultry rations and Eimeria infection may predispose broilers to necrotic enteritis come from a study by Australian investigators.
... Roundtable highlights: Raising poultry without antibiotics
Jan 27, 2015PHT Editor
Antibiotic-free poultry production remains uncharted territory that’s yielding varied results, a few surprises and an ethical dilemma for veterinarians, poultry experts said at an industry...
... Doing a 180: A little education goes a long way toward changing customers’ attitudes about antibiotics
Dec 11, 2014wpengine
Back in 2008, Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis Inc.) conducted market research to get a better handle on consumer opinions about the use of antibiotics...
... Too busy for sustainability? Think again
Dec 04, 2014PHT Editor
Sure, sustainability is a sound and noble concept — something everyone needs to think about and practice — but try telling that to a veterinarian or producer in the middle of an infectious...
