How data-driven insights are reshaping flock management

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.

No easy answers for preventing gangrenous dermatitis outbreaks

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.

Six practical ways to safeguard flock health

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.

Watkins: Six tips to conduct water assessments for poultry

When it comes to drinking water for poultry, Susan Watkins, PhD, has a lot to say. Most important: Don’t neglect it. At the Devenish Symposium held during the 2025 PEAK conference, Watkins, a consultant and distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas, offered practical advice for keeping poultry water clean.

Wilson: Old diseases are back with cage-free production

The shift to cage-free layer housing opened the door to poultry diseases that disappeared during the years of cage housing. At the Devenish Symposium held during the 2025 PEAK conference, Dan Wilson, DVM, Wilson Vet Co., discussed the return of several diseases from the past that affect today’s egg layers.

Import license for avian metapneumovirus vaccine offers new tool for producers

Faced with the emerging disease threat posed by avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), the USDA is allowing the importation of three vaccines from Boehringer Ingelheim: the live virus products NEMOVAC™ for use in chickens and AVIFFA RTI for use in turkeys and chickens, as well as the TUR-3 inactivated vaccine for primary vaccination of both turkey and chicken flocks against aMPV subtype B.

New ventilation system design holds promise for heat and air quality concerns in manure-belt layer houses

Bird health and production are significantly impacted by air quality, humidity and temperature. Mechanical ventilation systems play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and disease control, but the current systems have limitations, particularly in caged-layer facilities. Researchers from The Ohio State University have designed an innovative ventilation system that addresses health and heat concerns.