Avian metapneumovirus has not been detected in the US since the 1990s. So, it was a surprise in 2023 when cases began surfacing in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. By January 31, 2024, the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network received its first suspect case. Here’s what they did.
By W.A. Dozier, III, PhD
Department of Poultry Science
Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System
A “Rising Stars” article
by Allison Kawaoku, MS student
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
There is a buzz about emerging technologies to monitor layers and nudge their behaviors. But, according to Janice Siegford, PhD, from Michigan State University, more “ground truthing” by testing new tech in real commercial conditions is needed to establish whether they will deliver promised advantages for producers.
Merck Animal Health announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of EXZOLT™ (fluralaner oral solution), a parasiticide for chickens that treats and controls northern fowl mites (Ornithinyssus sylviarum) in production houses.
An experimental gut treatment led by molecular microbiologist Melha Mellata, PhD, Iowa State University, demonstrated that using host-specific bacteria improved overall immunity and resistance to bacteria in young chicks.
Data is playing a growing role in helping producers manage risk, optimize health and justify production decisions. From digitizing information to store it securely to using it to guide real-time decision-making, for Dan Wilson, DVM, founder of Wilson Veterinary Co., it has become integral to the way he works with producers to improve flock performance.
By Matthew J. Hardy, MSc
AgriNerds – Co-owner, Waterfowl Biologist and Co-director of Ecological Modeling
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Conducting in-lay boosting of adult, organic, free-range laying hens with a Pasteurella multocida vaccine protected against fowl cholera with minimal impacts on production, according to a study conducted by Luke Trimble, DVM, Wilson Vet Co.
Allison Pullin, PhD, North Carolina State University explores how tracking a portion of individual animals in research and commercial poultry flocks offers insight to improve management practices and animal welfare.
Known for high mortality and low morbidity, gangrenous dermatitis (GD) continues to evade answers as researchers investigate potential stressors that trigger an outbreak. Matthew Jones, DVM, Southern Poultry Research Group led a panel of poultry professionals that included Don Ritter, DVM, Chuck Hofacre, DVM, Mark Burleson, DVM, and Carrie Cremers, DVM, to discuss field experiences that helped control GD.
Eric Shepherd, DVM, MS, MAM, DACPV, poultry veterinarian, and Brian Fairchild, PhD, Extension Poultry Scientist and Professor, University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science, recently offered practical advice for reducing disease risk in poultry environments. Both spoke in a webinar sponsored by the Poultry Science Association and American Association of Avian Pathologists.
