
Jenkins: Genome sequencing plays key role in controlling coccidiosis
Genome sequencing is key to controlling coccidiosis and the associated infections of necrotic enteritis in broilers, according to Mark Jenkins, PhD, USDA’s Animal Research Service.

Genome sequencing is key to controlling coccidiosis and the associated infections of necrotic enteritis in broilers, according to Mark Jenkins, PhD, USDA’s Animal Research Service.

Europeans have battled avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) since the 1980s. Today, live and inactivated vaccines keep aMPV under control in Europe and most of the world except in the US, according to Aris Malo, DVM, Royal Dutch Veterinary Association.

Saponins are well-known for their role in supporting bird performance, gut health and immune health. But in the latest research, scientists have uncovered greater insight into how different types of saponins, specifically quillaja, yucca and blends of the two, contribute to these outcomes.

How can producers control the spread of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), a disease with no treatment? According to Brandon Armwood, DVM, DACPV, Pilgrim’s poultry veterinarian, decreasing stress and paying close attention to management details can control the spread of IBH.

Although poultry production has steadily evolved with improved knowledge and technological advances, coccidiosis remains arguably the most important disease concern to keep in mind and address year after year.

USDA has authorized Boehringer Ingelheim to import two of the company’s live-virus vaccines for emergency use to help protect US poultry against avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) — a highly contagious respiratory viral infection that can result in severe respiratory symptoms and increased mortality in poultry.

US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has released an updated report quantifying on-farm antibiotic use and demonstrating the industry’s commitment to antibiotic stewardship and disease prevention.

Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye, PhD, University of Arkansas, and his research team conducted a research project that aimed to achieve lameness reduction in broiler chickens via in ovo immunization with an eBeam-treated multi-strain Staphylococcus vaccine.

Incubation lighting has a limited impact on fear and stress responses in broilers, according to research presented by Angela Perretti, University of Arkansas poultry science graduate student, at the 2024 Poultry Science Association annual meeting.

A deep dive into Eimeria research reveals a strong inter-relationship between coccidiosis and secondary infections, such as necrotic enteritis, that poses formidable disease control challenges in poultry.

Stocking density is a key determinant of profits from a broiler operation as revenues per unit of space increase with increasing stocking density. However, overcrowding due to high stocking density can lead to negative behavior and welfare consequences.

By Michael Czarick
Extension Engineer – Poultry
University of Georgia
Department of Poultry Science