Episodes
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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,...
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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 Intro 0:11 Zoie McMillian, University of Maryland 0:26 Footpad...
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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:...
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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 Intro 0:11 Heidi...
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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…
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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...
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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 Intro...
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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....
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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....
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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 Intro 0:11 Dan Wilson, DVM, Wilson...
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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…
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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 Intro 0:11 Louise…
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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…
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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...
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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 Intro 0:11 Nikki…
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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...
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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...
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Salmonella serotypes are changing — monitor which ones are in your flock
Part 2 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 Georgia. Chapters: 0:00 Intro - The prevalent serotypes of Salmonella that cause illness in...
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‘Competitive exclusion’ is potential benefit of live Salmonella vaccines in young birds
Part 1 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 of the Southern Poultry Research Group. Chapters: 0:00 Intro - a recent paper looked at a...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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AAAP networks offer mental health support to members
Supporting the mental health and well-being of people working in poultry science and research has become a focus of the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP), according to one of the organization’s newly elected leaders. Naola Ferguson-Noel, DVM, PhD, who was recently elected to the...
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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 pathogen. The 2-year surveillance project, led by Brian Jordan, associate professor at the…
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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. IB is primarily an upper respiratory tract disease that is most commonly associated with respiratory problems, but it can...
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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.
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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 a poultry health expert. Brian Jordan, associate professor at the University of Georgia, said how the...
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Cross-protection vaccine protocols key to limiting DMV/1639 spread in US flocks
Thorough vaccination programs and bird surveillance are critical to giving US flocks the best possible chance of protection against evolving strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Brian Jordan, PhD, associate professor at the University of Georgia, said that while vaccinating against IBV…
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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 across entire production facilities is a valuable method of ensuring successful disease control,...
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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. Tim Cummings, DVM, senior technical services veterinarian, Zoetis, said managing ILT outbreaks can be a struggle for some producers.
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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 immunosuppressive condition. Isolates were collected from broiler and pullet flocks showing signs of the...
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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, according to a poultry industry expert. Ian Rubinoff, DVM, director of global technical services for Hy-Line International, said utilizing data on mortality, body...
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Histopathology helping poultry plants use science to defend carcasses, minimize condemnations
Most people in live poultry production haven’t spent a lot of time reading about histopathology. Still, veterinarians who specialize in diagnosing disease in animal tissues are spending more time in processing plants helping to minimize costly carcass condemnations while maintaining the company’s...
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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.
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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, Suzanne Dougherty, DVM, of Pilgrim’s, told Poultry Health Today.
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Coccidiosis in conventional flocks presenting a significant challenge
Coccidiosis is proving to be a significant challenge in conventional flocks, Suzanne Dougherty, DVM, Pilgrim’s, told Poultry Health Today. Dougherty said she has seen more issues with coccidiosis recently in broilers and pullets than she’s ever seen before throughout her career in production.…
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Emerging disease trends come under focus in latest version of industry bible
Health challenges associated with antibiotic-free production and the growing issue of wooden breast syndrome in broilers are two emerging trends to appear in the latest edition of Diseases of Poultry.
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False layer syndrome linked to early infectious bronchitis exposure
Research is increasingly linking false layer syndrome (FLS) to early exposure to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). FLS has been reported across the world over the past decade, but it has only relatively recently been discovered in North America. The condition was first found in Canada, and cases...
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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 — a finding that should be considered when planning IBDV vaccination programs, Kalen Cookson, DVM, MAM, director of clinical research,...
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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. Estefania Novoa Rama, a graduate research assistant at the University of Georgia, told Poultry Health Today that the difference could be due to...
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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. The bacterial disease can be devastating for commercial poultry producers and is a particular risk in no-antibiotic-ever systems, as options for control are more…
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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. “We’ve been doing studies where we take litter from different downtimes, and we found that after 2 weeks of downtime, we see more than a…
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