Backyard Poultry Research Articles

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in backyard poultry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Infected poultry is one of the most important reservoirs of Salmonella. The investigation presented here was conducted to examine the occurrence of Salmonella in fecal samples among selected flocks of backyard poultry in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Isolation and identification of Salmonella was performed in accordance with BAS EN ISO 6579/AMD 1:2007. When genus Salmonella was confirmed, the determination of the antigenic formula of Salmonella isolates was performed in accordance with BAS CEN ISO/TR 6579-3:2015. After that, Salmonella serotypes were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using EUVSEC sensititre microtiter plates impregnated with different concentrations of antibiotics. At the end, real-time PCR was used to detect extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapeneamase encoding genes (bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M, bla CMY, bla KPC, bla NDM, bla OXA-48, bla VIM and bla GES). Salmonella spp. was detected in pooled feces from four backyards, housed by chickens only. Three isolates were confirmed by slide agglutination as serotype Enteritidis and one as serotype Typhimurium. Antibiotic susceptibility testing by microdilution did not reveal phenotypical resistance among these four isolates. Real-time PCR used to detect ESBL and carbapeneamase encoding genes revealed the bla TEM gene in one S. Enteritidis isolate. Data presented in this study provide further evidence on the circulation of different Salmonella serotypes in backyard poultry in B&H. These findings emphasize the potential role of backyard poultry in the epidemiology of salmonellosis and the risks it poses for keepers, consumers, and general public health.

Occurrence of newcastle disease in backyard poultry: A pathomorphological study

Occurrence of newcastle disease in backyard poultry: A pathomorphological study

Evaluation of morphological traits in Aseel and Kadaknath breeds under backyardpoultry farming using principal component analysis

Aseel and Kadaknath chickens are recognized for their hardiness and adaptability to warm and humid climates and are being used for genetic improvement of different breeds which are appropriate for backyard poultry farming in India. In the present study, an attempt was made for the first time in India to assess the relationship among morphological traits and to explain the body conformation of Aseel and Kadaknath breeds under backyard poultry farming using principal component analysis (PCA). Eleven different morphological traits viz., 24-week body weight, comb length, keel length, body length, back length, breast girth, breast angle, radius-ulna length, shank length, shank circumference, and tail length were measured in both breeds. In both breeds, the correlations between all morphological characteristics were found to be positive and significant (p < 0.01) and varied from 0.245 (tail length and breast girth) to 0.797 (shank circumference and shank length) in Aseel and 0.247 (shank length and 24-week body weight) to 0.768 (back length and body length) in Kadaknath. All morphological traits had a high correlation with 24-week body weight in both chicken breeds suggesting the probable use of morphometric traits in predicting body weight. The extracted two components accounted for 64.822% and 68.286% of the total variability present in the original traits in Aseel and Kadaknath, respectively. It was concluded that PCA is an interesting tool for evaluation and effective to reduce the number of variables required to explain the body conformation in Aseel and Kadaknath breeds.

Effects of genotype and age on egg quality traits in crossbred chickens developed for backyard poultry farming

Effects of genotype and age on egg quality traits in crossbred chickens developed for backyard poultry farming

Seroprevalence of Avian Influenza Viruses in Asymptomatic Backyard Poultry Birds in District Multan, Pakistan

Seroprevalence of Avian Influenza Viruses in Asymptomatic Backyard Poultry Birds in District Multan, Pakistan

Incidence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Gallus gallus domesticus (Indigenous fowl) in a hot-humid tropical environment

A survey was carried out to evaluate the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in indigenous(desi) fowl in southern India's hot, humid tropical region of Puducherry. A total of sixty gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) desi fowl were collected from different retail chicken shops. The GIT was cut open and screened for the presence of any parasites. The faecal sample was collected and examined by direct microscopy, floatation, and sedimentation technique for the presence of parasitic ova, oocysts, etc. The overall incidence of GI parasites in desi fowl was 76.66%. The parasites commonly encountered were Ascaridia spp. (20%), Capillaria spp. (11.66%), Strongyloides spp. (1.66%) in nematodes (33.33%), Raillietina spp. (10%) in cestodes (10%), Eimeria spp. (33.33%) in protozoa, and mixed infection of 16.66%. Thus, results indicated a high prevalence of GI parasites in desi fowl, emphasizing the need to develop a strategic control programme and improve management practices of backyard poultry.

Productivity and survivorship of chabrown birds for development of backyard poultry farming

Productivity and survivorship of chabrown birds for development of backyard poultry farming

Occupational and Environmental Health Concerns on Unsafe Acts and Conditions in Poultry Production Sites in Ido-Osi, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Aim: Many food animal production facilities are sited close to human residence. This research work seeks to establish the occupational and environmental burdens of unsafe acts and conditions in backyard poultry production sites in the area of study in order to validate the compliance level of poultry farmers to common safety regulations.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology Department, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, from February 2017 to December 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: A well-structured questionnaire was administered to farm managers and residents within the area of study. Data on poultry management attitudes and history of water use were collected. The coordinates of the poultry sites, natural water bodies, source area and their relative distances were determined using the Geographical System Information Software, Mapit GIS. Fecal droppings from poultry birds were randomly sampled with a sterile swab stick and transferred into a factory-packed polythene bag. The suspension of the fecal droppings was streaked on Eosin Methylene Blue agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 18-24 hours. Waste-water, soil from disposal sites, and poultry feed samples were also collected in sterile universal bottles, serially diluted and cultured. E. coli isolates were characterized using relevant biochemical tests. The modified paper disc-diffusion method was used to determine the isolates’ sensitivity to nine tested antibiotics. The results were interpreted based on the procedures of the clinical and laboratory standard institutes.&#x0D; Results: Majority of the poultry farms under survey, 83% adopted the intensive ranging system of farming while few adopted the free range system. Layers were the most reared, 50%. There was no documented health, safety and regulatory protocols used on all the farms leading to variations in poultry management practices. Accumulated poultry droppings were periodically disposed between 3-4 days into open fields, flowing water bodies and pits. Among the three adopted waste disposal options, disposal into open field was rampant, 67%. Also, some of the poultry farmers, 42% applied the collected poultry droppings as farm yard manure. Family members constitute the major labor force, 92% on the farm. There were contacts between few of the farmers and their clients during routine farm activities. Majority of the farmers, 83.3% were not kitted with commonly-used personal protective equipment while coverall was only used by few. The five natural water bodies found within the area of study were majorly used for agricultural, domestic, and, recreational purposes. There was history of diarrhea in respondents, 12% with exposure to the water bodies. Socio-demographic data show that young, married-males with tertiary education comprise the major farming population. The relative distance of poultry farms to residential site is ≤ 6 meters while the proximity of poultry farms to natural water sources is between 160 meters to 4,596 meters. Antibiotic sensitivity test shows that multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria were present in poultry droppings, waste water and soil from poultry waste disposal sites. Bacterial resistance to the fluoroquinolones, sulphonamide, tetracycline, aminoglycoside and penicillin was high.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings on unsafe act audit of the poultry production sites assert that safety of public health is dependent on the quality of water and soil found in human environment. Unsafe acts and conditions with the inherent occupational hazards in poultry production sites are attributed to non-functional health, safety and environment management system. Antibiotic resistant bacteria in poultry droppings constitute biological hazard to humans. Exposure to these biological hazards predisposes the public to infections. Human and environmental health can be improved by reviewing the national guidelines and standards for environmental pollution control.

Egg quality and fatty acid profile of yolk in eggs from Athulya, native and IWN x native crossbred layers under backyard system

Backyard poultry production forms the basis for transforming the rural poultry sector from subsistence to a more economically productive base. The current study was conducted to evaluate the egg quality of eggs produced by Athulya, native and IWN x Native crossbred layers under backyard system. At 36 weeks of age, one egg from each group of birds was collected for fatty acid estimation of egg yolk and 20 eggs from each group was collected at 40 weeks of age for assessing the haugh unit score, yolk colour, shell thickness and shell colour. The beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acid content was higher in native bird eggs. The eggs from Athulya and native chicken had better internal quality in terms of haugh unit and yolk colour score. The shell thickness of eggs was similar among three groups. The egg shell colour was white in Athulya, tinted to brown in native and tinted in IWN x Native crossbreds and the shell colour in native and crossbreds exhibits more consumer preference.

Strength in numbers: Avian influenza A virus transmission to poultry from a flocking passerine.

The effects of flock size of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was experimentally manipulated to assess the potential of influenza A virus (IAV; H4N6) transmission from a flocking passerine to bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) through shared food and water resources to mimic starling intrusions into free-range and backyard poultry operations. Of the three starling flock sizes tested (n=30, n=20 and n=10), all successfully transmitted the virus to all or most of the quail in each animal room (6/6, 6/6 and 5/6) by the end of the experimental period, as determined by seroconversion and/or viral RNA shedding. Although starlings have been shown to be inconsistent shedders of IAVs and when they do replicate and subsequently shed virus they typically do so at low to moderate levels, this study has provided evidence that relatively small flocks (i.e., 10 or possibly a smaller number) of this species can collectively transmit the virus to a highly susceptible gallinaceous bird species. Future work should assess if starlings can transmit IAVs to additional poultry species commonly found in backyard or free-range settings.

Evaluation of Recombinant Herpesvirus of Turkey Laryngotracheitis (rHVT-LT) Vaccine against Genotype VI Canadian Wild-Type Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Infection.

In Alberta, infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) infection is endemic in backyard poultry flocks; however, outbreaks are only sporadically observed in commercial flocks. In addition to ILTV vaccine revertant strains, wild-type strains are among the most common causes of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT). Given the surge in live attenuated vaccine-related outbreaks, the goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a recombinant herpesvirus of turkey (rHVT-LT) vaccine against a genotype VI Canadian wild-type ILTV infection. One-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) White Leghorn chickens were vaccinated with the rHVT-LT vaccine or mock vaccinated. At three weeks of age, half of the vaccinated and the mock-vaccinated animals were challenged. Throughout the experiment, weights were recorded, and feather tips, cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected for ILTV genome quantification. Blood was collected to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and quantify CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. At 14 dpi, the chickens were euthanized, and respiratory tissues were collected to quantify genome loads and histological examination. Results showed that the vaccine failed to decrease the clinical signs at 6 days post-infection. However, it was able to significantly reduce ILTV shedding through the oropharyngeal route. Overall, rHVT-LT produced a partial protection against genotype VI ILTV infection.

Supplementation of Phyllanthus amarus and Cuminum cyminum Hasten Vaccinal Antibody Response against Newcastle Disease Virus and Increases Gut Absorptive Surface in Backyard Poultry

Supplementation of Phyllanthus amarus and Cuminum cyminum Hasten Vaccinal Antibody Response against Newcastle Disease Virus and Increases Gut Absorptive Surface in Backyard Poultry

The strategic management of backyard poultry farming: The scenario in rural India

The strategic management of backyard poultry farming: The scenario in rural India

Phylogenetic Analysis of H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Ukraine, 2016-2017.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) can be carried long distances by migratory wild birds and by poultry trade. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is often lethal in domestic poultry and can sporadically infect and cause severe respiratory or systemic disease in other species including humans. Since 2003, the H5 subtype of HPAIV have spread from epicenters in China to neighboring regions in East and Southeast Asia, and across Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Africa, and North America. Outbreaks of H5N1 HPAIV struck poultry in Ukraine in 2005. In 2016, A H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIV outbreaks occurred in wild and domestic birds in Ukraine concurrently with outbreaks in Central Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. We report outbreaks of HPAI in domestic backyard poultry in (2016-2017) in the southern region of Ukraine, in proximity to mass gathering sites for migratory waterfowl including mute swans (Cygnus olor). All eight genome segments of three novel H5N8 HPAIV isolated in November 2016 from two domestic backyard chickens (Gallus gallus) and one backyard mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) found dead of HPAI in Azov-Black Sea region of Ukraine were cladistically related to H5N8 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses isolated from wild shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) and white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) in Askania Nova Biopreserve (Kherson district, Ukraine) in 2016-2017 and to other contemporary H5N8 HPAIV strains sequenced from wild birds and poultry in Eurasia. Amino acid variations in hemagglutinin were outside of the polybasic cleavage site (PLREKRRKR/GLF), and D224G suggested avian-like receptor binding specificity; neuraminidase did not have mutations characteristic of oseltamivir drug resistance. Outbreaks of HPAI in Ukraine highlight the continual need for biosurveillance and genomic sequencing of avian influenza viruses along wild bird flyways and interfaces with domestic poultry in Eurasia.

Comparative analysis of production system and marketing pattern of commercial desi chicken farming venture and backyard poultry farming in Tamil Nadu

A study was taken up to evaluate the production system and marketing pattern of commercial desi chicken farming venture in relation to backyard poultry farming in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. The findings revealed that the farmers of commercial desi chicken farming venture differ significantly (from backyard poultry farmers with respect to management, production and marketing aspects, viz. type of housing, provision of drinker and feeder, feeding practices for different age groups, feeding of kitchen waste, type of brooding, use of disinfectant and adoption of vaccination, deworming and delicing. The use of litter material and method of incubation also differed significantly between farming methods. The production performances like body weight at eight and 12 weeks of age, annual egg production, number of clutches per year, hatchability of eggs, livabilty of birds and marketing age of the birds were also significantly different between the two methods of desi chicken farming.

A systematic approach to illuminate a new hot spot of avian influenza virus circulation in South Vietnam, 2016-2017.

In South Vietnam, live bird markets (LBMs) are key in the value chain of poultry products and spread of avian influenza virus (AIV) although they may not be the sole determinant of AIV prevalence. For this reason, a risk analysis of AIV prevalence was conducted accounting for all value chain factors. A cross-sectional study of poultry flock managers and poultry on backyard farms, commercial (high biosecurity) farms, LBMs and poultry delivery stations (PDSs) in four districts of Vinh Long province was conducted between December 2016 and August 2017. A total of 3597 swab samples were collected from birds from 101 backyard farms, 50 commercial farms, 58 sellers in LBMs and 19 traders in PDSs. Swab samples were submitted for AIV isolation. At the same time a questionnaire was administered to flock managers asking them to provide details of their knowledge, attitude and practices related to avian influenza. Multiple correspondence analysis and a mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression model were developed to identify enterprise and flock manager characteristics that increased the risk of AIV positivity. A total of 274 birds were positive for AIV isolation, returning an estimated true prevalence of 7.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.8%-8.5%]. The odds of a bird being AIV positive if it was from an LBM or PDS were 45 (95% CI: 3.4-590) and 25 (95% CI: 1.4-460), respectively, times higher to the odds of a bird from a commercial poultry farm being AIV positive. The odds of birds being AIV positive for respondents with a mixed (uncertain or inconsistent) level and a low level of knowledge about AI were 5.0 (95% CI: 0.20-130) and 3.5 (95% CI: 0.2-62), respectively, times higher to the odd of birds being positive for respondents with a good knowledge of AI. LBMs and PDSs should receive specific emphasis in AI control programs in Vietnam. Our findings provide evidence to support the hypothesis that incomplete respondent knowledge of AI and AIV spread mechanism were associated with an increased risk of AIV positivity. Delivery of education programs specifically designed for those in each enterprise will assist in this regard. The timing and frequency of delivery of education programs are likely to be important if the turnover of those working in LBMs and PDSs is high.

Emergence, Evolution, and Pathogenicity of Influenza A(H7N4) Virus in Shorebirds in China.

ABSTRACTA 2-year surveillance study of influenza A viruses in migratory birds was conducted to understand the subsequent risk during the migratory seasons in Dandong Yalu River Estuary Coastal Wetland National Nature Reserve, Liaoning Province, China, a major stopover site on the East Asian-Australasian flyway. Overall, we isolated 27 influenza A viruses with multiple subtypes, including H3N8 (n = 2), H4N6 (n = 2), H4N7 (n = 2), H7N4 (n = 9), H7N7 (n = 1), H10N7 (n = 7), and H13N6 (n = 4). Particularly, a novel reassortant influenza A(H7N4) virus was first identified in a woman and her backyard poultry flock in Jiangsu Province, China, posing a serious threat to public health. Here, we describe the genetic characterization and pathogenicity of the nine influenza A(H7N4) isolates. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that complex viral gene flow occurred among Asian countries. We also demonstrated a similar evolutionary trajectory of the surface genes of the A(H7N4) isolates and Jiangsu human-related A(H7N4) viruses. Our A(H7N4) isolates exhibited differing degrees of virulence in mice, suggesting a potential risk to other mammalian species, including humans. We revealed multiple mutations that might affect viral virulence in mice. Our report highlights the importance and need for the long-term surveillance of avian influenza virus in migratory birds combined with domestic poultry surveillance along migratory routes and flyways and, thereby, the development of measures to manage potential health threats.IMPORTANCE The H7 subtype avian influenza viruses, such as H7N2, H7N3, H7N4, H7N7, and H7N9, were documented as being capable of infecting humans, and the H7 subtype low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are capable of mutating into highly pathogenic avian influenza; therefore, they pose a serious threat to public health. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history, molecular characteristics, and pathogenicity of shorebird-origin influenza A(H7N4) viruses, showing a similar evolutionary trajectory with Jiangsu human A(H7N4) viruses in HA and NA genes. Moreover, our isolates exhibited variable virulence (including moderate virulence) in mice, suggesting a potential risk to other mammalian species, including humans.

Assessment of egg quality and biochemical parameters of Aseel and Kadaknath indigenous chicken breeds of India under backyard poultry farming

Egg quality parameters are very crucial for the egg industry as egg configuration affects grading, price, hatchability, chick weight, and consumer preference. Current study was undertaken to assess and compare the egg quality parameters in 2 important Indian breeds Aseel and Kadaknath reared under backyard system. Different parameters of external and internal egg quality were measured. Biochemical parameters of egg yolk estimated were egg yolk cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triacylglycerol. Means for external characters of Aseel eggs viz., egg weight, egg length, egg width, shape index, shell weight, shell thickness, and shell ratio were 41.7 g, 5.16 cm, 3.85 cm, 74.75%, 4.65 g, 0.35 mm, and 11.23%, and corresponding values for Kadaknath eggs were 40.59 g, 5.13 cm, 3.79 cm, 74.02%, 4.28 g, 0.34 mm, and 10.61%, respectively. Average albumin length, width, height, and albumin index were 83.73 mm, 65.4 mm, 6.02 mm, and 9.26% for Aseel eggs and 82.27 mm, 64.80 mm, 5.52 mm and 8.52% for Kadaknath eggs, respectively. Mean values for yolk length, width, height and yolk index were 43.32 mm, 40.10 mm, 15.30 mm, and 38.30% in Aseel and 42.15 mm, 38.97 mm, 14.26 mm and 36.66% in Kadaknath breed, respectively. Mean values for egg yolk cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triacylglycerol were estimated as 9.38, 1.74, 0.17, and 1.94 mg/g in Aseel eggs and 8.38, 1.84, 0.11, and 1.76 mg/g in Kadaknath eggs, respectively. Biochemical analysis revealed that egg yolk quality of Kadaknath eggs was comparatively better than Aseel eggs.

Outbreak of avian botulism in a backyard poultry farming / Surto de botulismo aviário em criação de aves domésticas

The purpose of this study is to report an outbreak of avian botulism in backyard poultry farming. In 2019, a botulism outbreak in a flock of laying hens was investigated in Brazil. In the flock of 30 hens, clinical signs of botulism occurred after they ate decaying vegetables. A type C botulism outbreak was confirmed using the mouse lethality assay for detection of botulinum toxin in serum and ELISA test to detect Clostridium botulinum in intestinal contents and serum. Botulism in laying hens has rarely been reported. The chickens developed cyanotic comb and wattle, dyspnea, different degrees of flaccid paralysis in the neck, and detachment of feathers. No macroscopic lesions were observed, as were microscopic findings. The chicken's serum was neutralized by C antitoxin, confirming the botulism diagnosis, and also toxin was detected in intestinal contents.

Prevalence of Newcastle Disease Virus in Commercial and Backyard Poultry in Haryana, India.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes Newcastle disease (ND) in poultry. The ND is a highly contagious disease, which is endemic in several countries despite regular vaccination with live or killed vaccines. Studies on NDV in India are mostly targeted toward its detection and characterization from disease outbreaks. A surveillance study was undertaken to determine NDV prevalence throughout the state of Haryana from March 2018 to March 2020 using a stratified sampling scheme. The state was divided into three different zones and a total of 4,001 choanal swab samples were collected from backyard poultry, commercial broilers, and layers. These samples were tested for the M gene of NDV using real-time RT-PCR. Of the 4,001 samples tested, 392 were positive (9.8% apparent prevalence; 95% CI: 8.9–10.8%) for the M gene. Of these 392 M gene positive samples, 35 (8.9%; 95% CI: 6.4–12.3%) were found to be positive based on F gene real-time RT-PCR. Circulation of NDV in commercial and backyard poultry highlights the importance of surveillance studies even in apparently healthy flocks. The information generated in this study should contribute to better understanding of NDV epidemiology in India and may help formulate appropriate disease control strategies for commercial and backyard birds.