Microbial supplements lessen impact of Enterococcus cecorum in broilers
Two direct-fed microbials (DFMs) have shown promise in reducing health problems associated with Enterococcus cecorum in broilers.
Two direct-fed microbials (DFMs) have shown promise in reducing health problems associated with Enterococcus cecorum in broilers.
What is the best way to safeguard poultry health across a wide range of production systems and management teams? That’s a question Rick Phillips, DVM, MAM, director of poultry professional services veterinarians at Boehringer Ingelheim, has explored for more than 25 years while working with live-production teams across the US.
By Vishal Manjunatha, PhD
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
The first episode of the new “Unplucked” podcast produced by the Poultry Science Association (PSA) took on the topic of battling highly pathogenic avian influenza with guest Craig Rowles, DVM, general manager, Versova Farms.
One of the many challenges affecting layers is APEC, an opportunistic challenge that impacts at least 30% of commercial flocks in the US, resulting in decreased egg production, increased bird mortality and significant economic losses. Cargill Animal Nutrition has introduced Biostrong™ C-Protect
By Guillermo Zavala, DVM, MAM, PhD, Dipl ACPV
Avian Health International, LLC
Athens, Georgia
Every year, turkey producers lose more than $2 million to Histomoniasis (blackhead disease) alone due to high mortality rates and decreased flock performance. With limited industry investment to address turkey health challenges, turkey producers need solutions.
The avian flu virus continues to affect poultry producers and dairy farms in 2025. In North Carolina alone, the virus has resulted in the loss of millions of birds on poultry farms. Meanwhile, less than a year after avian flu was first detected in dairy herds, a new strain of the virus has been found in Nevada cows. Matt Koci, PhD, a virus expert and professor with NC State University’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science, offers insights.
Enteritidis is one of the most common serotypes of Salmonella globally and is historically associated with poultry. Unfortunately, antibiotic resistance is making it more challenging to treat.
In March, a bipartisan coalition of members from the House of Representatives introduced the “Lowering Egg Prices Act” to address current regulations that require farmers to discard hundreds of millions of eggs annually.
The microbiota found in the guts of chickens is responsible for more than the breakdown of food products. It also impacts immune response, the enteric nervous system and cell function. An imbalance can affect disease resistance, and heighten stress and fear responses.
The move to cage-free egg production in the US and Europe created a seismic change in hen breeding programs.