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Category Archive: Flock welfare, Global TOP NEWS, Infectious Diseases, Interviews, News, PHT GLOBAL, PHT US, Podcast, TOP NEWS, Videos

... Back-to-basics for managing health of cage-free pullets

Poultry producers with cage-free pullet systems should go back to the basics of bird management to keep their flocks healthy and productive.

... Automation key to ensuring sanitation in ‘no antibiotics ever’ systems

Labor shortages in hatcheries mean that to ensure appropriate levels of sanitation in “no antibiotics ever” production, wholesale automation is likely to be required.

... Circulation fans reduce severity of footpad dermatitis

Footpad dermatitis causes significant foot problems for broilers, which adversely affects bird welfare and the market for broiler paws, according to research from the University of Maryland.

... Distinctive condition affects layers as well as turkeys, broilers

A disease commonly seen in turkey and broiler flocks can also affect layers, meaning that producers should look out for its distinctive signs.

... Bugs should be a key focus of biosecurity in controlling turkey disease

Producers should play close attention to insect control in their poultry houses to avoid cases of turkey coronavirus enteritis (TCE).

... How effective IBV surveillance can prevent ‘overvaccination’

Consistent surveillance and analysis of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) at poultry production facilities can guard against “overvaccination” — where too much vaccine virus in the environment...

... Shedding light on LED lamps and dimmers: They’re not all a match

Getting the correct lighting is important in poultry houses to help maximize the birds’ genetic potential; however, too often there’s a disconnect between the LED lamps and the dimmers in...

... Agreed indicators should help drive poultry-industry welfare

Using key welfare indicators (KWIs) can help fill a communication gap around welfare progress in the US poultry industry.

... Farm mortality issues highlight importance of checking water supply

Producers need to be alert to the dangers of drinking-water toxicity issues, according to a senior industry veterinarian.

... Coccidiosis: An old problem with some new challenges

Coccidiosis in broiler houses remains a nagging challenge. While clinical manifestations are rare, it’s the subclinical condition that impacts the flock through poor feed efficiency and reduced...

... Environmental enrichments increased broiler activity in study

Environmental enrichments in broiler houses may improve bird welfare by increasing natural behaviors, according to a University of Maryland study.

... Don’t overlook feed biosecurity in efforts to manage Salmonella

Biosecurity in feed mills and on-farm feed storage should not be overlooked when it comes to managing the risk of Salmonella in poultry flocks, according to a turkey-health expert.

... Study: Day length during brooding did not impact broiler performance

Extended day length during the brooding period is thought to benefit broilers’ long-term performance and well-being. However, a University of Georgia study has re-evaluated that idea.

... Live-vaccine program a ‘must have’ to deal with cage-free E. coli challenge

A higher risk of bacterial challenges in cage-free egg production means a live-vaccination program against Escherichia coli is a “must-have minimum” for flocks reared in alternative systems.

... Breed may impact broiler response to Salmonella infection

Research at the University of Arkansas suggests broiler breed could affect birds’ immune response to Salmonella exposure, according to Shawna Weimer, PhD, director of the Center for Food Animal...

... COVID pandemic had some positive effects on poultry health and welfare

Management techniques adopted to cope with COVID-19 production challenges led to improvements in bird health and welfare for many poultry producers.

... Salmonella serotypes are changing — monitor which ones are in your flock

It’s imperative for poultry producers and companies to know what strains of Salmonella may be circulating in their flocks, said Chuck Hofacre, president of the Southern Poultry Research Group in...

... Recombinant vaccines for poultry: How to maximize results

Proper vaccine handling, dosage and administration are key to ensuring thorough and effective coverage. That statement is particularly true when talking about recombinant-vector vaccines.

... Study highlights risk of high Salmonella exposure, more persistent serotypes

Feed conversion takes a bigger hit in birds with higher Salmonella exposure, while Salmonella Reading outlasts other serotypes through the grow-out period, suggests new work from the University of...

... USDA evaluating Salmonella-reduction steps along the poultry supply chain

Almost 25% of US foodborne illnesses continue to be linked to poultry products. To get an accurate measure of product contamination, USDA is evaluating the poultry supply chain.

... Genomic technology sheds light on Salmonella serotypes in breeder flocks

A technology called CRISPR-SeroSeq, which amplifies a section of the Salmonella genome, is helping paint a clearer picture of the serotypes circulating in breeder flocks.

... Why ‘vaccinated’ chickens still get infected with IBV — and what to do about it

While many vaccines and vaccination programs effectively protect against the highly contagious infectious bronchitis virus in poultry, outbreaks of the disease still occur in vaccinated flocks.

... Light impacts behavior in cage-free aviaries

Birds can move out of the reach of the workers’ hands in a multi-tier aviary system, so employees have to climb into the system to get to them. Researchers from Michigan State studied light...

... Poultry industry can learn from COVID-19

Biosecurity is not sufficient to control avian coronaviruses like infectious bronchitis in commercial poultry, no matter how good it is, said Mark Jackwood, PhD, a molecular virologist and professor...

... ‘Competitive exclusion’ is potential benefit of live Salmonella vaccines in young birds

Live vaccines for Salmonella have been found to start offering protection within a few days of administration, acting “almost as a [form of] competitive exclusion,” said Chuck Hofacre, president...

... Poor IBV vaccine performance in broiler study underlines need for surveillance

A whole-complex study of broiler breeders in Georgia found underwhelming infectious bronchitis vaccine performance – but with better surveillance and protocols, outcomes could be improved.

... Turkey-farm study finds Salmonella Infantis prevalent

Research studying Salmonella across one turkey producer’s farms found Salmonella Infantis to be by far the dominant serotype.

... Comparing necrotic enteritis litter models highlights performance impacts

Reused litter from a previous NE challenge led to more severe subclinical performance impacts but fewer clinical signs of disease than in birds raised on fresh litter.

... Sharing data can help manage layer-farm disease and increase production

Sharing and analyzing data at farm level and beyond can offer new insights that improve bird health and profitability on layer farms.

... Early infectious bronchitis virus infection causes more severe false layer syndrome

Exposure to IBV has been linked with cases of false-layer syndrome, where large cysts in the oviduct prevent birds from laying eggs.

... Essential adjustments that improve IB vaccine efficacy in broilers

A few essential adjustments in the way infectious bronchitis vaccines are handled and administered at the hatchery can improve vaccine efficacy.

... Going with the flow: How to maximize the effectiveness of spray vaccination

Attention to detail is vital when it comes to ensuring that spray vaccinations against respiratory diseases such as infectious bronchitis are as effective as they can possibly be, according to...

... Measuring temperature of birds’ faces could help identify heat stress in flocks

Use of thermal imaging cameras to measure facial temperatures may offer a non-invasive option for assessing heat stress in commercial broilers, according to research from the University of Arkansas.

... Shift to cage-free egg production prompts need to revise health and management plans

Vaccinations and other preventative health measures are more critical than ever as the US egg industry shifts toward cage-free and no-antibiotics-ever production.

... Details matter when it comes to ILT vaccination success

Attention to detail is key to successfully vaccinating broiler flocks against infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), according to a poultry health expert.

... Direct-fed microbials can impact Salmonella vaccine efficacy

Some direct-fed microbial additives with live cultures have been found to impact the efficacy of modified-live vaccines.

... Feed additive appears to benefit gut integrity in broilers with coccidiosis

The feed additive sodium bisulfate administered to broilers during a coccidial challenge appeared to benefit gut integrity.

... Hatchery tips for successful transition to NAE production

Preventing birds from getting sick is perhaps the biggest challenge encountered when transitioning from conventional to “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) production.

... Periodic IBV PCR testing is key to ensuring vaccination efficacy

Complexes should regularly evaluate the infectious bronchitis viruses (IBV) prevalent on their farms to help determine which vaccines can provide the best protection possible.

... Molecular test helps identify pathogenicity in new strains of infectious bursal disease virus

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...

... Hatcheries in NAE production systems can’t cut corners on cleaning, husbandry

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.

... Two years of IBV sampling underlines importance of surveillance work

Large-scale collection of samples from producers across the southern US is helping shed new light on infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chicken flocks — including uncovering a new serotype of the...

... Study: Larger particles in starter feed lead to better performance

Starter feed of larger particles consumed by young chicks is associated with better performance during the lifetime of broiler birds, according to a study conducted at Mississippi State University.

... Seasonal management in hatchery critical to improving chick viability

Optimizing hatchery conditions throughout the year is crucial to limiting chick mortality and maintaining long-term bird viability, according to a poultry health expert.

... Better management, biosecurity could mean lower Salmonella levels in NAE farms

New research has suggested that Salmonella levels in no-antibiotics-ever (NAE) poultry systems could be lower than those on conventional broiler farms.

... Litter management can help control Salmonella Heidelberg

Ongoing studies to find ways of managing Salmonella Heidelberg loads in poultry litter have suggested that downtime is key to reducing the pathogen’s rates.

... Right skills critical to managing increases in Salmonella, coccidiosis associated with cage-free egg production

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.

... Tackling stress key to protecting birds from coryza resurgence, says expert

Limiting stress in broiler flocks is key to preventing birds from succumbing to an infectious respiratory disease which is showing a resurgence in some areas of the US, according to a poultry expert.

... Good management and biosecurity vital to overcoming disease challenges in NAE systems

Getting back to basics with bird and house management is key to overcoming coccidiosis and other health issues affecting producers using NAE systems.

... Utilizing on-farm testing key to helping processors understand S. Infantis loads

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.

... False layer syndrome linked to early infectious bronchitis exposure

Research is increasingly linking false layer syndrome to early exposure to infectious bronchitis virus. The condition prevents laying hens from producing eggs, but birds display few outward signs of...

... Cross-protection vaccine protocols key to limiting DMV/1639 spread in US flocks

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.

... Testing mixed control approaches important in controlling Salmonella in broilers

Commercial broiler farms often employ a multi-faceted approach in tackling Salmonella, but testing different combinations of control options together on a small scale before they are rolled out...

... Histopathology helping poultry plants use science to defend carcasses, minimize condemnations

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...

... Serotype, presentation of IBH differ in large and small birds

More than one serotype has been the cause of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in broilers, which has presented differently in large- and small-bird complexes.

... Coccidiosis in conventional flocks presenting a significant challenge

A shift in microbiology could be responsible for a surge in coccidiosis problems being seen in conventional US broiler and pullets flocks, according to Pilgrim's DVM Suzanne Dougherty.

... Consider predominance of AL-2 variants when planning IBDV vaccination program

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.

... Glutamine supplement shows promise in reducing necrotic enteritis

Supplementing poultry diets with glutamine could help reduce the severity of necrotic enteritis (NE), according to researchers.

... Treatment blend offers ‘exciting potential’ for Campylobacter control at processing

Blending two commonly used antibacterial treatments could help processing facilities take better control of Campylobacter and reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses, according to scientists.

... Veterinarian: Rethink layer health programs with move to cage-free

The poultry industry’s gradual switch to cage-free egg production has underscored the need to rethink disease-control programs.

... Training and management critical for cage-free egg production

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

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.

... New avian leukosis rule expected to reduce waste, improve efficiency for processing plants and FSIS

Acceptance of a petition designating avian leukosis lesions on poultry carcasses as a trimmable condition is expected to reduce waste and improve efficiency at processing plants while allowing meat...

... ND is stable in US but poultry industry should be on lookout for evolving strains

Newcastle disease throughout most of the US remains stable, but the industry needs to be on guard for changes in the virus that may require adaption of ND vaccines.

... Surveillance of circulating IBV types essential for disease control

Surveillance aimed at pinpointing the type of infectious bronchitis virus that’s circulating in poultry flocks is essential to control of the disease.

... USDA urged to give producers time to trial Campylobacter and Salmonella interventions

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

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

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.

... Foster Farms: Community approach key to managing coryza spread in poultry

Tackling endemic poultry diseases as a community rather than as individual producers can play an important role in controlling and limiting their spread.

... Good flock management key to managing Mycoplasma synoviae resurgence

Broiler producers need to take a fresh look at housing conditions and bird management to help counter the resurgence of Mycoplasma synoviae linked to an increase in raised without antibiotics (RWA)...

... Measuring effectiveness of on-farm interventions key to Salmonella control

Understanding the impact specific on-farm interventions can have on Salmonella is critical to helping the US poultry industry meet government standards around the disease, according to a leading...

... Prestage Farms veterinarian: Processing chain communication critical to identify health issues early, reduce turkey condemnations

Developing good relationships across the processing chain can be critical in helping to identify and overcome issues on farm and in the processing plant.

... Sanderson vet: Keeping up with variant reovirus strains remains challenging

Poor uniformity, lameness and reduced water consumption are tip-offs that broilers may be infected with variant reovirus.

... Swift communication key to limiting the risk of poultry disease outbreaks

Excellent systems of communication between farm staff and veterinarians are critical when it comes to managing disease outbreaks and reducing their potential spread.

... Hospitals offer inspiration for next-generation poultry biosecurity tools

Researchers in Canada are looking to human hospitals as inspiration for developing next-generation techniques to improve biosecurity on poultry farms.

... ‘Causal’ pie chart can help manage necrotic enteritis

Use of a simple “causal” pie chart is proving to be a helpful tool for controlling necrotic enteritis (NE).

... One Health Certified label seeks balanced approach to poultry production, marketing

A new label under development for meat and poultry products will represent production that seeks a balanced approach to poultry production and marketing.

... Industry needs more poultry scientists to tackle disease challenges

More young people need to be encouraged to take up careers in poultry science if the sector is to properly tackle disease challenges which have plagued it for decades.

... Salmonella’s sex life key to mitigating food safety risks

Food safety challenges linked to Salmonella could be tackled more effectively by better understanding the sex life of bacteria, according to a leading US government veterinarian.

... Unusual presentation of bacterial septicemia in broilers tied to breeders

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...

... Perdue veterinarian seeks answers to inconsistent foodborne pathogen load

Taking a closer look at why incidence of Salmonella and Campylobacter varied widely on farms in the same production system helped to demonstrate the importance of management and communication with...

... Coccidiosis control: Keys to success with a bioshuttle program

Resistance is unlikely to be a problem in coccidiosis bioshuttle programs, Greg Mathis, PhD, Southern Poultry Research, told Poultry Health Today.  

... Necrotic enteritis control requires multi-pronged approach in RWA systems

Feeding higher levels of copper and zinc in the diet, managing litter moisture and controlling coccidiosis are keys to stopping necrotic enteritis (NE) in poultry raised without antibiotics (RWA),...

... Avian pathogenic E. coli: Difficult to prevent and control

The bacterium E. coli has re-emerged in broiler operations, which seems to coincide with poultry companies’ switch to ‘no antibiotics ever’ (NAE) programs.

... Sentinel broilers, PCR testing help isolate, identify evolving IBV populations in Arkansas

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

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...

... Helping contract growers’ transition to no-antibiotics-ever broiler production

Successful transition from conventional to no-antibiotics-ever (NAE) broiler production requires awareness of all the changes needed and lots of advance planning.

... Better air circulation, moderately lower humidity improve paw quality

Increasing air circulation coupled with moderate reductions in humidity can dramatically improve paw quality, Michael Czarick and Connie Mou, University of Georgia, told Poultry Health Today.

... US poultry industry shifting focus to Campylobacter, Salmonella Infantis

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,...

... Sprinkler systems benefit animal welfare, reduce water use

Sprinkler systems used in conjunction with cool cells during hot summer weather can not only benefit animal welfare, they can dramatically reduce water use.

... Wet bulb reservoirs can be source of bacterial contamination for hatching eggs

Wet-bulb reservoirs in hatchery incubators should be included in the bacterial-monitoring program to ensure they aren’t the source of egg-shell contamination.

... Vaccinated birds shown to have lower incidence of Salmonella at processing

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

Poultry veterinarians and production managers are all too familiar with coccidiosis and its impact on gut health, nutrient absorption, feed conversion and growth rate.

... What makes a chick tick: Help non-farm audiences understand poultry’s needs

Rather than adopt costly production practices that don’t necessarily benefit the health or welfare of poultry, veterinarians should work to educate non-farm audiences about a bird’s inherent...

... Poultry litter management key to MS control

Litter topped the list of environmental factors most consistently positive for Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), Naola Ferguson, DVM, associate professor at the University of Georgia, told Poultry Health...

... Preventive measures are only option for combatting key parasites in turkeys

Turkey producers will need to rely on preventive measures including biosecurity, good gut health and  genetic selection to combat three key flagellated protozoan parasites that can affect their...

... Zinc can help combat infectious bronchitis in poultry

Research on infectious bronchitis virus remains a top priority for the poultry industry. Not only is it widespread, but new serotypes also continue to emerge due to mutations and recombination events...

... Ensuring chick quality in NAE production

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.

... Studies in chickens could lead to blackhead control in turkeys

Broiler breeders are an ideal carrier for Histomonas — the cause of blackhead disease — but unlike turkeys that often die from the infection, broiler breeders survive.

... Live-production management practices that help contain Salmonella

Avoidance of wet litter and well-timed feed withdrawal are two of several management steps that will help control the load of Salmonella going into the processing plant.

... Focal duodenal necrosis in table-egg layers easily overlooked

Focal duodenal necrosis in table-egg layers can be an easily overlooked cause of drops in egg production and egg-case weight loss.

... When vaccinating broilers against Salmonella may be worthwhile

Vaccinating broilers is a big investment and may not be needed on all farms, but it can be a worthwhile move if there are high loads of Salmonella coming into the processing plant.

... Trial shows glutamine aids gut health in broilers raised without antibiotics

With the increase in no-antibiotic-ever production, glutamine may serve as a helpful nutrient asset, particularly when birds are under stress.

... Pilgrim’s veterinarian shares experiences with NAE production

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

Diligent attention to four areas of hatchery management — egg-pack quality, incubation, sanitation and in ovo vaccination — can go a long way.

... Poultry producers facing higher hurdles with USDA food-safety standards

Poultry producers can expect to jump higher hurdles as USDA continues to raise the bar for food safety.

... Moving up: Vaccinating broilers may help poultry companies improve Salmonella ratings

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

... Virulent ND in California sending wake-up call to US poultry industry

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

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

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...

... Life without antibiotics: Field lessons learned the hard way

Producers need to think long and hard before jumping into “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) poultry production.

... Dirty chick boxes can be source of Salmonella at hatcheries

Dirty chick boxes at hatcheries can be a source of Salmonella, but the risk was still lower than expected in a study conducted at one US hatchery.

... Advanced diagnostic tests helping identify IBV in Europe

The QX strain of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) remains the most common variant of IBV in Europe, but the prevalence of the variant 02 strain appears to be on the increase

... Genomic sequencing could aid ILT control efforts in poultry

Molecular virology is already leading to discoveries that will improve management of ILT, according to Stephen Spatz, PhD, molecular virologist with USDA’s Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory,...

... Navigating the maze of alternative products for necrotic enteritis control

The effectiveness of antibiotic alternatives is going to vary among “no antibiotics ever” production systems, and it’s up to the producers to figure out which alternatives will work.

... Urban chicken movement requires legislators to learn chicken basics

Legislators need to know some basics about raising chickens in response to an upsurge in the “urban chicken” trend, Nat Tablante, DVM, told Poultry Health Today.

... Effective biosecurity requires addressing the culture of a company

Effective biosecurity on poultry farms requires developing the kind of culture that motivates everyone in the company to adhere to the procedures that protect flocks from infectious disease.

... Novel technologies needed to combat IB in chickens

Despite decades of vaccination, the world poultry industry’s ongoing battle with infectious bronchitis (IB) continues to rage and points to the need for novel technologies to combat the disease.

... Gizzard changes seen in NAE flocks but diagnosis is murky

Raising broilers without antibiotics appears to be affecting the gizzard in ways that aren’t yet fully appreciated, and it’s not clear if the changes observed are true gizzard erosions, Jessica...

... Biosecurity expert sees more room for improvement on poultry farms

Biosecurity on commercial poultry farms has come a long way but still has far to go, Joseph Giambrone, PhD, professor of poultry science, Auburn University, told Poultry Health Today.

... Sanderson vet shares thoughts on managing elusive reovirus, other gut diseases

Autogenous vaccines used in a reovirus vaccination program need to be updated relatively often to keep up with changes in the pathogen

... Mycoplasma synoviae demanding more attention as poultry industry grasps its full impact

Emerging, variant strains of Mycoplasma synoviae are causing eggshell apex abnormalities as well as production drops in both layer and breeding flocks worldwide, Anneke Feberwee, DVM, PhD, from GD...

... Lameness in poultry can start in the hatchery

Lameness in poultry is often associated with bird weight, bacterial infections or the condition of the litter, but it actually begins much earlier in the bird’s life — often in the hatchery.

... Early exposure to Clostridium protects birds from necrotic enteritis

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

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...

... New standards for foodborne pathogens expanding control programs to live production

A rise in the prevalence of Salmonella on whole chicken carcasses since USDA changed the testing medium used could indicate the prevalence of the pathogen was previously underestimated.

... Sanitation key to successful NAE production

The key to successful “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) broiler production is cleanliness throughout every step of production, including a pristine hatchery.

... Discrepancies emerge between animal welfare and consumer perceptions

Poultry “raised without antibiotics” now account for more than 50% of the broilers in US production, but those reductions in antibiotics usage have consequences.

... Vaccination of broilers ‘quick and easy’ way to get Salmonella under control

Vaccination of broilers against Salmonella may be the best and most expedient option for producers struggling to meet USDA performance standards at the processing plant, said Chuck Hofacre, DVM, PhD,...

... Refined carbs show promise as ‘sentinel’ for Salmonella control

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

Field experience with infectious bronchitis in broilers during a harsh winter demonstrated that vaccination for secondary Escherichia coli infection helped stem losses

... Commercial poultry vets can help backyard growers, and themselves, by sharing tips on biosecurity

Improved communication between poultry company veterinarians and backyard chicken growers could help improve biosecurity and reduce disease spread for all flocks.

... Coccidiosis control, litter management key to NE prevention in broilers raised without antibiotics

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.

... Heat-stress study shows need to increase ventilation with stocking density

As bird density increases, broiler producers need to be “more aggressive” with house ventilation to prevent heat stress in flocks, Brian Fairchild, PhD, professor, and Ming Lin Teo, graduate...

... Chicks may hold clues to lameness in older birds

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

Coccidiosis vaccination was effective in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella but only after vaccinal oocysts cycled twice, Laura Tensa, DVM, told Poultry Health Today.

... Can water treatments help reduce Salmonella levels before processing?

Feed withdrawal before moving broilers to the processing plant appears to increase their susceptibility to Salmonella, indicates research from the University of Georgia.

... Is genetics the key for lasting IBV immunity?

Manipulating the immune response may be one way infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is controlled in the future, predict researchers studying genetic lines of poultry.

... IBV vaccination protects broilers despite ammonia exposure

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.

... Heat stress may impair immune system in broilers

Heat stress in broilers induced lesions of lymphoid tissues, indicating immune system impairment, but it’s not yet known if heat stress affects the vulnerability or severity of coccidiosis.

... Consistency, follow-up key to controlling IBV

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a “moving target” and trying to keep ahead of it requires consistency and follow-up, explained Sjaak de Wit, DVM, PhD, of GD Animal Health, the Netherlands.

... Biosecurity, disinfection, downtime keys to better ILT control

Strict biosecurity is the best defense against infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in broiler flocks, advises Maricarmen García, PhD, a professor at the University of Georgia.

... Halting in ovo vaccination not a good option for managing hatchery bacteria

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.

... Vaccination protects broilers from IBV despite exposure to moderate ammonia levels

Properly vaccinated commercial broilers are protected from an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) challenge despite exposure to moderate ammonia levels, according to a study that surprised researchers.

... Uncertain supplies present challenges for rotation-minded producers

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...

... Trace minerals, used litter, coccidiosis control key to managing enteritis in NAE flocks

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

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

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

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

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...

... Putting paper under chick’s drinkers: Is it really helpful?

Placing paper under water lines increases water consumption by baby chicks, but only for the first 3 or 4 hours after house placement, research indicates.

... Research focusing on new controls for coccidiosis, relationship with Salmonella

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...

... Let there be light: Early exposure to UV aids broiler behavior, performance

Adding windows to poultry houses is an inexpensive way to improve the environment for broilers and possibly improve productivity, according to Rachel Lynn Dennis, PhD, assistant professor at the...

... Footpad dermatitis a greater concern in chickens grown to older ages

Footpad dermatitis is more likely to be a problem among broilers grown to an older age, but it can be remedied if producers intervene in time, Tom Tabler, PhD, professor with Mississippi State...

... Vaccination followed with feed medication gives pullets added protection against coccidiosis

Inadequate coccidiosis protection in pullets can lead to health issues ranging from uneven weight gain to mortality.

... Is MS the next ‘big, bad Mycoplasma’ for US poultry?

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

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

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...

... On-farm Salmonella control helps prevent processing plant contamination

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...

... ‘Turkeys are suffering’ without good control of coccidiosis

Turkeys are suffering from coccidiosis due to a lack of available medications, according to Greg Mathis, PhD, Southern Poultry Research, Athens, Georgia.

... Industry trendwatcher offers insights on future of antibiotic-free poultry production

Industry trendwatcher and analyst Greg Rennier, PhD, recently sat down with Poultry Health Today to share his thoughts on antibiotic-free production and where the poultry industry is heading in 2017...

... Foregoing CAV breeder vaccination based on ELISA results can backfire

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

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...

... Woody breast continues to baffle researchers

Woody breast is a relatively new disease that adversely affects meat quality during processing, but poultry scientists still don’t understand it’s underlying causes, said Luke Borst, DVM, PhD, a...

... Biosecurity: ‘It doesn’t have to be boring’

Even though biosecurity is a critically important subject, many poultry producers tune it out — for the simple reason that it bores them, said Nathaniel Tablante, DVM, a professor and poultry...

... Two symposia on poultry enteric disease set stage for 2018 AAAP Conference

Two symposia focused on enteric disease in poultry will be held immediately prior to the 2018 American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) annual conference set for this July in Denver.

... Seven misconceptions about IBD in broilers

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.

... How mutations, antigenic drift affect IBD management

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

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,...

... Clostridial dermatitis: Why is it so prevalent in turkeys?

Skin lesions in turkeys open the door to Clostridium infections and clostridial dermatitis, the most important disease in the turkey industry, according to a study by Kakambi Nagaraja, PhD,...

... H9N2 could devastate America’s poultry industry

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?

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.  

... Closing in on coccidiosis: How metagenomics can help

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

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?

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...

... Non-ionophore anticoccidial may help manage necrotic enteritis in RWA flocks

Flocks raised without antibiotics (RWA) that received a non-ionophore anticoccidial after coccidiosis vaccination had fewer necrotic enteritis (NE) lesions, less mortality and better feed conversion...

... Easy mistakes to avoid when managing respiratory disease in poultry

A methodical approach to managing respiratory disease in poultry can help veterinarians avoid misinterpreting data and making mistakes, according to David French, DVM, Sanderson Farms.

... Plan B: Using sentinel birds to track poultry viruses when you can’t obtain SPF birds

Sometimes the best way to identify disease problems is to use sentinel birds along with other diagnostic tools, but the specific-pathogen-free (SPF) birds used for this purpose aren’t always...

... Deadly duo: Study shows link between E. maxima, Clostridium

New research by Callie McQuain, DVM, veterinarian and grad student at the University of Georgia, substantiates anecdotal field experience indicating that Eimeria maxima is the type of coccidia that...

... Immune-response research could yield new IB strategies for poultry

Research into the immune response of chickens could help lead to strategies that enable chickens to resist infectious bronchitis (IB), Rodrigo Gallardo, DVM, PhD, professor, University of California...

... Necrotic enteritis: Can it be managed effectively in NAE flocks?

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,...

... Infectious bursal disease: ‘It’s never black and white’

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,...

... Alternative therapies called best long-term hope for blackhead disease in turkeys

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.

... Looming crisis for poultry: Finding and funding veterinarians

The poultry industry is rife with job openings for veterinarians that can’t be filled, according to Mark Jackwood, PhD, University of Georgia.

... Managing coccidiosis successfully in poultry raised without antibiotics

Producers raising flocks without antibiotics are finding new ways to manage gut health and coccidiosis with vaccination and anticoccidials, said Greg Mathis, PhD, coccidiosis specialist.

... New rule, same baseline skews sampling for foodborne pathogens

Part 2: Last year, the US poultry industry switched from buffered peptone water to “neutralized” buffered peptone to reduce the risk of false negatives when sampling whole chickens and parts for...

... US broiler industry steadily reducing incidence of foodborne pathogens

Part 1: The US broiler industry is successfully and steadily reducing the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on chicken parts since the USDA’s new performance standards took effect.

... Sanderson Farms vet drawing new battle lines against ILT

Sanderson Farms growers have been asked to stop driving their farm trucks off the farm to help prevent outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), according to Phil Stayer, DVM, head...

... Poultry veterinarians need to be the ‘voice of the birds’

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

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

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

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

Sanitation is the key to success when a hatchery completely removes antibiotics from its process, Josh Mulkey told Poultry Health Today.

... Should we tap the brakes on slow-growth chicken?

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.

... Managing coccidia ‘leakage’ in antibiotic-free production systems

The US broiler industry has long relied on coccidial leakage to create immunity against coccidiosis in chickens. In antibiotic-free production systems, leakage occurs but can be more challenging to...

... Mountaire stands on middle ground in antibiotic debate

While the all-or-nothing debate about the use of antibiotics in commercial poultry continues, Mountaire Farms is standing on solid middle ground, said Don Ritter, DVM.

... Lapses in biosecurity: Veterinarian urges poultry companies to avoid these mistakes

Biosecurity needs to be approached as a comprehensive process, not as a series of segregated actions, according to Jean Sander, DVM, senior technical services veterinarian for Zoetis.

... Air quality affects S. Heidelberg colonization in broilers

Improving air quality in broiler houses may be an important way to reduce colonization of S. Heidelberg, according to the results of a study presented at the 2017 International Poultry Scientific...

... Teaming with poultry companies to ensure carcass quality and food safety

The role of today’s technical services veterinarian needs to go beyond posting sessions, field trials, product support and customized disease-management programs.

... Both organic, conventional processing reduce Campylobacter on carcasses

Both conventional and organic processing methods reduced Campylobacter on broiler carcasses in a recent study by Purdue University. Matthew Bailey, a grad student at the university, discussed the...

... Hatchery expert offers tips for fighting bacteria, improving biosecurity

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.


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