Poultry Health Today

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 causes a rolling reaction in flocks. That’s the view of Rodrigo Gallardo, DVM, PhD, professor of poultry medicine at the University of California–Davis. 

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).That’s the view of Eric Orozco, DVM, a veterinarian at Butterball in North Carolina, based on his recent experiences with the disease. The most recent outbreak he dealt with began in June 2021, with previous breaks in 2018-19, he told Poultry Health Today. The disease was detected in 8-week-old finishers on two farms through routine polymerase chain reaction testing. 

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. Clostridium septicum dermatitis was recently found across multiple sites of a single company, Michaela Olson, DVM, of Wilson Veterinary Care, told Poultry Health Today. The diagnosis began with a mortality spike and unusual feedback when dead birds were sent for further analysis. 

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.That’s the view of Ken Opengart, DVM, PhD, vice president, animal welfare and international sustainability for Tyson Foods. 

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. Speaking to Poultry Health Today, Kurt Dobson, DVM, director of veterinary services for George’s, Inc. in Arkansas, said that a recent case of salt toxicity at an eight-house broiler farm underlined the need to not dismiss water on the list of vital components affecting bird health. 

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” (NAE) production, wholesale automation is likely to be required, according to an industry expert. Automation began in hatcheries around 30 years ago, when labor started to become an issue, said Scott Martin, an independent poultry consultant. The labor shortfall is even more acute today, especially when considering newer methods of production such as NAE.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Scott Martin, poultry consultant0:21 “No antibiotics ever” impacts the hatchery2:06 More hatchery automation and sanitation needed3:20 Hatchery: Establish and monitor strict standards5:50 Hatchery: Affordability is key7:21 Hatchery equipment must be easy to clean________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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 Zoie McMillian, graduate research assistant, University of Maryland. Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Zoie McMillian, University of Maryland0:26 Footpad dermatitis in broilers1:06 Benefits of circulation fansNOTE: 1:35 Super: last line says: foot pad. Should be: footpad2:30 Evaluating broiler footpad health4:07 Footpad dermatitis: Severity vs. prevalence5:51 Circulation fan management and broiler welfare________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

Environmental enrichments increased broiler activity in study

Environmental enrichments in broiler houses may improve bird welfare by increasing natural behaviors, according to Heidi Rinehart, a student at the University of Maryland. Rinehart has studied broiler behavior and welfare for several years at the university.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Heidi Rinehart, University of Maryland0:23 Broiler welfare: Environmental enrichments1:42 Enrichments: Hay bales, ramps, boxes, spotlights3:10 Broiler natural behaviors4:40 Enrichments encourage natural behaviors6:12 Most enrichments are not expensive________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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, reported Darrin Eckard, Hy-Line cage-free specialist. This is a change from flocks kept in cages that may face less disease and fewer parasites.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Darrin Eckard, Hy-Line0:30 FLAW: Feed, light, air, and water1:23 Coccidiosis control in cage-free layers2:55 Worm infections in cage-free layers4:37 E. coli issues5:49 Vaccine protocols for cage-free layers6:34 Controlling aggressive bird behavior8:29 Cage-free nutrition programs________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

Recombinant vaccines: How to maximize results

Recombinant vaccines are not a silver bullet, but they are “very helpful for our goals in the poultry industry, whether you produce meat-type chickens or commercial table eggs,” said Guillermo Zavala, DVM, PhD, with Avian Health International. To maximize their effectiveness, Zavala said producers need to follow a number of protocols when using recombinant vaccines.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Guillermo Zavala, DVM, PhD, Poultry Consultant   0:30 Recombinant vector vaccination mistakes2:07 Dosing recombinant vector vaccines3:33 Recombinant vector vaccine administration4:27 In ovo vaccination5:43 Ensuring better bird health6:51 Recombinant vector vaccine advantages________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

COVID pandemic had some positive effects on poultry health and welfare

The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching effects on poultry companies, said Bruce Stewart-Brown, DVM, senior vice president of technical services and innovation at Perdue Farms. “It affected nearly every part of the company,” he told Poultry Health Today, from the supply chain through production. While it was a difficult situation, companies learned a lot about crisis management and how to improve bird health and welfare.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:10 Bruce Stewart-Brown, Perdue Farms0:24 Pandemic quickly disrupted the food supply chain2:13 Management practices changed on broiler farms4:07 Labor shortages in processing plants4:44 Lower densities improve broiler welfare8:06 Salmonella control improved during pandemic________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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 and found no detrimental impact of dark periods applied during that early production phase.  Chapters:0:00 Intro0:10 Brian Fairchild, PhD, University of Georgia0:23 Does adding a dark period help baby chicks?2:47 4-hour dark period evaluated4:14 No disadvantage in providing chicks a dark period________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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, including interventions on the farm, said Sandra Eskin, USDA’s deputy undersecretary for food safety.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Sandra Eskin, USDA, Food Safety0:22 Salmonella foodborne infections1:59 Salmonella prevention at the poultry farm  NOTE: 2:36 Super – Slaughterhouse is misspelled3:38 More data needed from poultry producers  7:48 Salmonella vaccination8:39 Salmonella Kentucky9:54 Reducing Salmonella risks________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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 service. Tom Tabler, PhD, poultry specialist, University of Tennessee Extension, offered points to consider.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Tom Tabler, PhD, University of Tennessee0:22 Issues with LED lighting for broilers2:18 Trailing edge dimmers for LED lamps4:20 LED lamps: Ghosting and dead travel5:40 Proper light levels for broilers7:22 Measuring LED light levels________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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 E. coli is a “must-have minimum” for flocks reared in alternative systems, said Dan Wilson, DVM, PhD, of Wilson Veterinary Company, Indiana.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Dan Wilson, DVM, Wilson Vet Co.0:20 E. coli bacteria in egg layers2:45 Properly diagnosing E. coli4:24 E. coli vaccination protocols6:40 Alternative layer production challenges________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

Coccidiosis: An old problem with some new challenges

Coccidiosis in broiler houses remains a nagging challenge.  “It’s the same old problem and it’s a moving target at the same time,” said Phil Stayer, DVM at Sanderson Farms. What’s important is to have a strategy, be flexible and willing to test treatments to find what works best and what may need to change.  Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Phil Stayer, DVM, Sanderson Farms0:27 Subclinical coccidiosis affects feed efficiency2:03 Coccidiosis vaccination management3:44 Good animal husbandry is key4:41 Ionophore use for coccidiosis control8:21 Vaccination technology needs improvement________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

Changes ahead for 2023 AAAP annual meeting

Next year marks a big change for the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP). It will hold its first independent meeting, according to current president Louise Dufour-Zavala, DVM, executive director of the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network. Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Louise Dufour-Zavala, PhD, President, AAAP0:30 AAAP: American Association of Avian Pathologists1:23 AAAP Women’s Network2:08 Avian Diseases journal3:59 Post pandemic opportunities for veterinarians________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

Light impacts behavior in cage-free aviaries

Birds can move freely and 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 the hens. A team of researchers, led by Andrea Mendoza, at graduate research assistant at Michigan State University, studied light variation to see if it could help move hens onto the floor area, making them easier to reach.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Andrea Mendoza, Michigan State University0:22 Aviaries for egg layers are difficult to manage  1:25 Using light to move hens to the floor area4:07 Laying hen behavior4:43 Light treatments had short-term effects________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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. Research groups have looked at environmental and management factors for decades…but the factors that contribute to the prevalence of Salmonella inside of the bird are less well-known and less defined, said Shawna Weimer, PhD, director of the Center for Food Animal Wellbeing.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Shawna Weimer, PhD, University of Arkansas0:25 Salmonella prevalence varies in broilers1:34 Differences in slow vs fast-growing broilers6:24 Genetic differences in immune response________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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. The knowledge gained may help poultry producers design more targeted control measures.Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Nikki Shariat, PhD, University of Georgia0:22 Salmonella isolation techniques in poultry1:59 Salmonella Kentucky prevalence3:19 CRISPR-SeroSeq: Whole genome sequencing4:56  S. Kentucky prevalence: Growout vs processing7:49 Salmonella Kentucky and foodborne illness________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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 of avian medicine at the University of Georgia.“It takes a combination of vaccination as well as biosecurity in order to effectively control the disease,” he told Poultry Health Today. Chapters:0:00 Intro0:11 Mark Jackwood, PhD, University of Georgia0:30 Coronavirus control: Biosecurity and vaccination1:56 Human coronavirus: Seasonal vaccination?2:43 No universal vaccine for poultry coronaviruses3:47 Covid 19: Less danger now but not going away  6:05 Messenger RNA vaccine potential for poultry________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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 Georgia. Chapters:0:00 Intro - The University of Georgia conducted a study on the effect of Salmonella on broiler performance0:40 Davis Fenster, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Georgia0:45 Study description1:11 Numerous Salmonella serotypes tend to circulate concurrently1:24 Study design and population2:08 Study looked at both bird performance and the actual colonization of Salmonella serotypes2:20 Study results - no differences in body weight gain, but feed intake was affected, as was feed conversion3:15 Higher inoculation doses of Salmonella resulted in birds not being able to convert feed to body weight gain3:30 Understanding the feed conversion ratio4:30 Differences in levels of Salmonella persistence were seen between serotypes and doses5:44 Implications for future research________________________________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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

Part 2It’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 Georgia. Chapters:0:00 Intro - The prevalent serotypes of Salmonella that cause illness in humans are changing0:40 Chuck Hofacre, President, Southern Poultry Research Group1:08 Monitoring programs for Salmonella2:28 Boot socks use in testing the environment for Salmonella shedding3:35 Testing at the hatchery4:42 Consistency of tests between farm and processing plant5:36 Prevalence of Salmonella Infantis and other serotypes6:33 Controlling Salmonella Infantis8:04 Virulence of Salmonella Kentucky9:09 Current FSIS regulations for Salmonella testing_________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

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

Part 1Live 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 of the Southern Poultry Research Group. Chapters:0:00 Intro - a recent paper looked at a modified-live Salmonella vaccine0:40 Chuck Hofacre, President, Southern Poultry Research Group0:50 Competitive exclusion1:15 Efficacy of modified-live vaccines against Salmonella groups1:55 Increased use of modified-live vaccines in broilers2:32 Advantages of second doses4:17 Vaccinating layers and breeders against Salmonella5:27 Future of Salmonella vaccine programs__________________________Poultry Health Today is a news publication sponsored by Zoetis designed to bring broiler, layer and turkey producers the latest news and insights on poultry health, welfare, performance and sustainability. Visit us at PoultryHealthToday.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more on our sponsor, visit Zoetis.com.

Poor 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, protocols, and outcomes, could be improved. 

Turkey-farm study finds Salmonella Infantis prevalent

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. Genevieve Huard, DVM, of Hendrix Genetics in Ontario, Canada, said while Salmonella can be found in many places on-farm, it is often forgotten that feed can become contaminated at various stages in the production process.

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 (IBV) in poultry, outbreaks of the disease still occur in vaccinated flocks. Brian Jordan, PhD, associate professor at the University of Georgia, recently shared his insights on why these breaks occur and how they can be prevented. 

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

Exposure to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has been linked with cases of the poultry reproductive disease false-layer syndrome, where large cysts in the oviduct prevent birds from laying eggs. New research suggests that the earlier birds are challenged with the virus, the more severe the symptoms can be. 

Comparing necrotic enteritis litter models highlights performance impacts

Reused litter from a previous necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge led to more severe subclinical performance impacts but fewer clinical signs of disease than in birds raised on fresh litter, in a study by Southern Poultry Research Group.