Commercial Poultry Farms Research Articles

Prevalence and stakeholders’ perception of mycotoxins in the Ghanaian poultry feed value chain

The poultry sector in Ghana has the potential to contribute significantly to domestic food and nutrition security. There is limited information regarding the knowledge of feed industry stakeholders on the presence of mycotoxins in poultry feed. This work was aimed at assessing the prevalence of aflatoxin and fumonisin in poultry feed, and mycotoxins awareness among stakeholders of the poultry feed value chain in Ghana. Three hundred and fifty (350) respondents consisting of 255 commercial poultry farmers, 85 feed processors and 16 feed vendors were involved in the study. AgraStrip® Quantitative test from RomerLab, USA was used to quantify total fumonisin and aflatoxin levels in the prepared feed samples. The study revealed that commercial feed producers, feed mills operators and on-farm feed processors are the three main sources of feed and ingredients for commercial poultry farmers in Ghana. The study identified a high level of mycotoxin contamination of feed and ingredients. Feed samples from the commercial feed processors recorded significantly lower aflatoxin levels (21.63+7.05 ppb, p<0.008). However, the threshold of 15 ppb for the Ghana Standards Authority, FAO/WHO maximum permissible limit of 30 ppb and EU regulatory limit of 20 ppb for poultry feeds were exceeded by 70% of all the samples. Fumonisin levels were less than the 30mg/kg FDA guidance levels for maize and maize by-products intended for consumption by breeding poultry. From the study, a majority of the farmers (85%), vendors (87.5%) and all of the feed processors have their own feed storage facilities or warehouses. Storage problems identified by these stakeholders included pest infestation and mold development, which usually occur after a few weeks of storage to the end of the storage period. Sanitation was poor along the feed chain, particularly during feed formulation and storage. Awareness of mycotoxins and their effect on animal and human health was low among the respondents. Some of those who have heard about aflatoxins were not aware of what it is and its effect on the health of humans and animals. This threatens the management of mycotoxins in the poultry feed chain. Key words: aflatoxin, fumonisin, mycotoxin contamination, mycotoxin awareness, sanitation, poultry feed, feed processors

Detection, Quantification and Molecular Characterization of Fowl Adenoviruses Circulating in Ecuadorian Chicken Flocks during 2019-2021.

Fowl adenoviruses are a group of pathogens that cause large economic losses worldwide in the poultry industry, in addition to producing a wide range of diseases, such as IBH, HHS, and enteric and respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to quantify, identify, and molecularly characterize the types of FAdV circulating in commercial poultry farms (broilers, breeders, and layers) in Ecuador from 2019 to 2021. Molecular characterization was performed by PCR, quantification by qPCR, and subsequent sequencing for each positive sample. The results indicated that the FAdV genotypes circulating in our country are FAdV-2/D2, FAdV-6/E1, FAdV-8a/E2, and FAdV-11/D3; the samples were grouped into different groups that contain sequences that were obtained from countries in Africa, Asia, and America, and that are found in birds at different ages, since early age where can cause different clinical signs, such as diarrhea, ruffled feathers and dwarfism. Therefore, these results indicate that several genotypes of the virus are circulating in commercial poultry flocks, suggesting that biosecurity measures on farms should be improved, in addition to carrying out new or improved vaccination plans.

Characterisation of ESBL/AmpC-Producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from poultry farms in Peninsular Malaysia.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases (AmpCs)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been increasingly reported and imposing significant threat to public. Livestock production industry might be the important source for clinically important ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. This study aims to investigate the resistance profile, phenotypic ESBL production, beta-lactamase genes, virulence factors, and plasmid replicon types among 59 Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from poultry faecal samples in Malaysia's commercial poultry farm. There were 38.7% and 32.3% of Escherichia coli resistant to cefotaxime and cefoxitin, respectively, while Klebsiellaspp. demonstrated resistance rate of 52.6% to both mentioned antimicrobials. Majority of the E. coli isolates carried blaTEM and blaCMY-2 group. blaSHV was the most prevalent gene detected in Klebsiellaspp., followed by blaDHA and blaTEM. Resistance to extended spectrum cephalosporin in our isolates was primarily mediated by plasmid mediated AmpC beta-lactamase such as CMY-2 group and DHA enzyme. The CTX-M genes were found in two ESBL-producing E. coli. IncF, IncI1, and IncN plasmids were most frequently detected in E. coli and Klebsiellaspp. The virulence factor, including EAST1 and pAA were identified at low frequency. This study highlights the poultry as a reservoir of resistance and virulence determinants and prevalence of plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae might drive their dissemination.

Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Welfare and Behavior Indicators of Broilers Fed Diets Supplemented with Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast

This study investigated the dietary impact of dried Yarrowia lipolytica yeast (YLP) on the growth performance, meat quality, welfare and behavior indicators of broilers. It was performed in a commercial poultry farm using 108 13 day-old Ross 308 male broilers. The chicks were randomly and equally divided into three dietary groups CON, YLP3 and YLP5, according to the incorporation rate of YLP in the feed (0%, 3%, and 5%, respectively). A positive effect on foot pad dermatitis (FPD) of YLP-fed broilers was observed without any adverse effects on welfare, behavior, meat quality and the overall growth performance of the broilers. YLP significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) values in breast and thigh meat. YLP3 birds presented a superior nutrient quality of breast meat, as indicated by the increased concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), decreased levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), a better PUFA/SFA ratio and improved health lipid indices. A significant elevation of n-3 PUFAs was observed in the thigh meat of YLP-fed groups, compared to the CON groups. A positive effect on the overall sensory acceptance of thigh meat was detected in the YLP5 group. YLP feeding, at the rate of 3%, seems to be beneficial for improving the meat nutrition quality.

Sociodemographic determinants of use and misuse of antibiotics in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess poultry farmers’ knowledge and practices regarding antibiotics, antimicrobial usage (AMU), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and to identify the sociodemographic factors of inappropriate use of antibiotics in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh. MethodsA qualitative survey of 140 farmers in Bangladesh was conducted from March to May 2019. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Results47.1% of farmers were unable to explain antibiotics, 42.9% used antibiotics for preventive purposes, 4.3% used them as growth promoters, 25.7% used them as suggested by veterinarians, 42.9% used leftover antibiotics, 50% did not maintain antibiotics residual withdrawal period, and 98.6% did not know about AMR. In bivariable regression analysis, sex and primary occupation of poultry farmers, their knowledge about withdrawal periods for antibiotics, and no contact with veterinary surgeons (VS) were found to be significantly associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics, while only ‘no contact with VS’ was identified in multivariable regression analysis. ConclusionsThe findings suggest an urgent need to improve understanding of antibiotics and AMR. Adequate supervision by veterinarians would ensure adherence to appropriate AMU patterns, and would limit the misuse of antibiotics and associated AMR development in farms.

Avian Reoviruses in Poultry Farms from Brazil.

Avian reovirus (ARV) is highly disseminated in commercial Brazilian poultry farms, causing arthritis/tenosynovitis, runting-stunting syndrome, and malabsorption syndrome in different meat- and egg-type birds (breeders, broilers, grillers, and layers). In Brazil, ARV infection was first described in broilers in the 1970s but was not considered an important poultry health problem for decades. A more concerning outcome of field infections has been observed in recent years, including condemnations at slaughterhouses because of the unsightly appearance of chicken body parts, mainly the legs. Analyses of the performance of poultry flocks have further evidenced economic losses to farms. Genetic and antigenic characterization of ARV field strains from Brazil demonstrated a high diversity of lineages circulating in the entire country, including four of the five main phylogenetic groups previously described (I, II, III, and V). It is still unclear if all of them are associated with different diseases affecting flocks' performance in Brazilian poultry. ARV infections have been controlled in Brazilian poultry farms by immunization of breeders and young chicks with classical commercial live vaccine strains (S1133, 1733, 2408, and 2177) used elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere. However, genetic and antigenic variations of the field isolates have prevented adequate protection against associated diseases, so killed autogenous vaccines are being produced from isolates obtained on specific farms. In conclusion, ARV field variants are continuously challenging poultry farming in Brazil. Epidemiological surveillance combined with molecular biological analyses from the field samples, as well as the development of vaccine strains directed toward the ARV circulating variants, are necessary to control this economically important poultry pathogen.

Detection of antibodies to avian leukosis virus in commercial poultry farms in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria

Objective: Since 100 years ago, the avian leukosis virus (ALV) was discovered but has remained a threat to poultry production globally, inducing neoplastic diseases of different pathotypes, immu¬nosuppression, growth retardation, and a drop in egg production, thereby resulting in great eco¬nomic losses for both commercial and local poultry farmers. This study investigates the status of the ALV in commercial poultry farms in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty sera samples were collected across five local governments in Kaduna State, Nigeria, between January 2017 and May 2018: Chikun, Lere, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Sabon Gari and were screened for ALV using the enzyme-linked immu¬nosorbent assay. Results: A total prevalence of 78.9% (CI: 73.4–83.53) was recorded. The highest prevalence of 82% (CI: 69.53–90.85) was recorded in a commercial poultry farm in Sabon-gari; 80% (CI: 67.24– 89.37), 78% (CI: 64.99–87.85), 78% (CI: 64.99–87.85), and 76% (CI: 62.77–86.3) were recorded for Kaduna North, Lere, Kaduna South, and Chikun commercial poultry farms. For layers, cockerels, and broilers, the detection rate was 86.5% (CI: 79.99–91.58), 75.0% (CI: 24.23–98.75), and 69.6% (CI: 60.66–77.62). At the age level, the highest rate was recorded in older birds, with 86.7% (CI: 74.32–94.41), while 77.1% (CI: 70.7–82.44) was recorded for the young birds, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two age groups. Conclusion: The study indicated that ALV is prevalent in commercial poultry farms in Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was recommended that further studies be conducted on the molecular charac¬terization of the virus. Adequate preventive and control measures must be implemented because the economic impact of ALV on the poultry industry is enormous.

A Review on Significance of Public Health Issues Related to Poultry Campylobacteriosis

The goal of poultry industry worldwide is the production of safe food products, via efficient and goal-oriented health care to prevent the development of disease conditions in poultry. However, a several number of poultry diseases can negatively affects the breeding values and have the potential to be zoonotic and transmit the infections to humans such as campylobacteriosis. C. jejuni is highly prevalent in commercial poultry farms and act as major reservoirs of the infection. Horizontal transmission from the environment is considered to be the primary source of bacterial foodborne worldwide. The high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat is a result of several contamination and cross-contamination sources in the entire production chain. Recent investigations demonstrated that various stages of food processing in slaughterhouse and consumption of raw or undercooked poultry meat is considered the significant risk factor for human campylobacteriosis worldwide. Furthermore, survival factors such as biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance, enable its persistence during food processing. On the other hand, the increase of multiple and multidrug-resistant Campylobacter worldwide is not only related to the over-consumption of antibiotics in human medicine, but also in poultry production chain as growth promotors and/or to treat and prevent bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistant Campylobacter presents an obvious and impending challenge to One Health. In the future, the consumer expectations for high standards quality of poultry products will strongly influence the production methods. This means that farmers, stockholders’, veterinarians, and all other partners involved in the production chain, will have to share more responsibilities and the cooperation should be intensified. This review represents an updated overview of the global epidemiology, the correlation of official control, the disease associated with food handler and the importance of food safety with respect to Campylobacteriosis.

Antimicrobial Usage by Small-Scale Commercial Poultry Farmers in Mid-Western District of Masindi Uganda: Patterns, Public Health Implications, and Antimicrobial Resistance of E. coli.

Poultry production in Uganda is growing at a fast rate due to increasing demand, notwithstanding, poor husbandry practices, and diseases, prompting farmers to rear healthy productive flocks with antimicrobials. The study evaluated the knowledge and practices as regards the use of antibiotics among poultry farmers in Masindi district and determined the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of E. coli strains from chickens. A cross-sectional study using a closed-end questionnaire was conducted in 140 selected small-scale commercial poultry farms in Masindi district between June and December, 2020. Analyzed qualitative data were presented as frequencies, percentages, and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fecal swabs from chickens were inoculated onto a MacConkey agar, and E. coli was confirmed by standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method for 7 antibiotics. Most farmers (74%) used antibiotics, mainly tetracycline (51.4%) and sulfonamides (28.6%), given to the chicks (45%), for both curative and prophylaxis purposes (80%), and via drinking water (67%). Farmers mainly used antibiotics recommended by the veterinarian (76.4%), more than relying on experience (10.7%), while 45% were involved in self-medicating the birds. On choosing the correct dosage, 45.7% read the instruction, and 42.9% consulted a veterinarian. Only 10.7% observed the drug withdrawal period, while 53.6% consumed eggs at home or sold eggs (35.7%) from birds under treatment. Of the 200 E. coli strains, 90 (45.0%) were resistant to one drug, 74 (37.0%) to two, and multidrug resistance to three classes of antibiotics was 36 (18.0%). Overall, E. coli resistance to tetracycline was (69.0%), ampicillin (37.0%), sulfonamides (36.0%), and to kanamycin (1.5%). The small-scale poultry farmers frequently use antimicrobial drugs, mainly tetracycline and sulfonamides for curative and prophylaxis. Thus, enforcing measures against antibiotic use supported by a strong veterinary service sector and farmers' training on judicious use of antimicrobials are needed.

Identification of Newcastle Disease Virus sub-genotype VII 1.1 isolated from chickens in Sabah, Malaysia.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an extremely contagious and fatal viral disease causing huge economic losses to the poultry industry. Following recent ND outbreaks in Sabah in commercial poultry and backyard farms, it was speculated that this could be due to a new introduction of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) genotype/sub-genotype. Here we report the genetic characterization of NDVs isolated from Sabah during early 2021. All isolates were amplified and sequenced with primers specific to the viral fusion (F) gene using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nucleotide sequence analysis of the F gene showed that all isolates shared similar homology of 99.4% with NDV strain from Iran isolated in 2018. Amino acid sequences of the F protein cleavage site revealed the motif of 112RRQKRF117 indicating all isolates were of virulent strain. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all isolates were clustered under sub-genotype VII 1.1 and clustered together with isolates from Iran (previously known as subgenotype VIIl). The present findings suggested that there is an emerging of a new sub-genotype into the poultry population in Sabah and this sub-genotype has never been reported before in Malaysia. Therefore, transboundary monitoring and continuous surveillance should be implemented for proper control and prevention of the disease. A further molecular epidemiological analysis of NDV is needed to well understand the circulatory patterns of virulent strains of NDV in the country to prevent future outbreaks.

Growth Performance, Gut Health, Welfare and Qualitative Behavior Characteristics of Broilers Fed Diets Supplemented with Dried Common (Olea europaea) Olive Pulp

The present study investigated the dietary impact of dried olive pulp (OP) on growth performance, gut health and some welfare and behavior characteristics of broilers. It was conducted in a commercial poultry farm using 108 13 day-old Ross male broilers. Chickens were equally and randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments, CON, OP3 and OP6, based on the incorporation rate of OP in the ration (0%, 3%, and 6%, respectively). A beneficial impact on foot pad dermatitis (FPD) and feather cleanliness of OP-fed broilers was recorded. No adverse effects on qualitative behavior characteristics evaluated and on the overall growth performance of chickens were observed. No significant differences in the fecal microbiota population were observed among the groups. Changes of β-diversity in an age-dependent way were only observed. The feces of chickens across all age and dietary groups were mainly dominated by the phylum Firmicutes (62.3 to 95.1%), mainly represented by the genus Lactobacillus (32.9 to 78.2%), Proteobacteria (2.0 to 35.6%), and Actinobacteria (1.5 to 11.4%). Supplementing broilers’ diets with 3% and 6% OP beneficially affected chickens’ health and welfare without compromising their growth performance and gut health.

Identification and Antimicrobial Resistance in Klebsiella spp. Isolates from Turkeys in Poland between 2019 and 2022.

One of the important problems in poultry production is bacterial infections and increasing resistance to antibiotics. The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a major challenge for physicians and veterinarians and considerably limits treatment options. This study was undertaken in order to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella spp. strains isolated from turkeys sampled from 2019 to 2022 in Poland. The material for study consisted of clinical samples taken during routine monitoring and microbiological identification testing at commercial poultry farms. From all 507 isolates of Klebsiella, 95% were identified by MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption - Ionisation-Time of Flight) as Klebsiella pneumonia, 2% were Klebsiella oxytoca, 2% Klebsiella variicola, or unidentified (1%). All isolated Klebsiella strains were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disk diffusion. The results of our study indicated that colistin, neomycin, florfenicol and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most effective against the Klebsiella spp. isolated from turkeys. In addition, the results show a decrease in the number of multi-resistant Klebsiella spp. strains between 2019 and 2021.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antimicrobial usage, spread and resistance emergence in commercial poultry farms of Rajshahi district in Bangladesh.

Inappropriate and injudicious use of antimicrobials in broiler and layer farms has become a common practice in lower and middle-income countries including Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess poultry farmers' knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antimicrobial usage (AMU), and their beliefs in factors that affect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread and emergence in humans through commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 farmers (95.6% male; meanage = 35.14 ± 10.25 years) in the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh who were recruited from three upazilas (sub-districts) through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected from June to November 2021 via face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The proportion of farmers who reported having received information regarding AMU from veterinarians was higher in layer compared to broiler farms (65.9% vs. 44.9%, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of layer compared to broiler farmers believed that antimicrobial residues and pathogens in poultry can pass to humans through the consumption of contaminated eggs (28.1% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.05). The mean score of the farmers' attitude towards addressing AMU was 4.49 (SD = 1.37) out of 7, with the higher score indicating a better attitude. The mean score of better attitudes towards addressing AMU was significantly higher among educated participants (bachelor's or higher levels of education (p = 0.006). A higher proportion of layer (56.3%) farmers did not keep a record of AMU when compared to broiler farmers (37.7%) (p = 0.012). More broiler (50.7%) compared to layer (38.5%) farmers continued using the full dose of antimicrobials (p = 0.042). The most frequently used antimicrobials in broiler and layer poultry farms were Colistin (broiler vs layer: 73.9% vs. 86.75%; p = 0.024), and Ciprofloxacin (broiler vs. layer: 95.7% vs. 84.4%; p = 0.021). Farmers' beliefs were significantly associated with the spread of AMR pathogens from contaminated eggs to humans (p < 0.001). The findings reflected that majority of farmers had inadequate knowledge of AMU, less knowledgeable beliefs aboutAMU, and inappropriate AMU (e.g., poor record keeping, incomplete doses) in chicken production systems. The government should ensure education or advisory services for poultry farmers on proper AMU, enforce current veterinary laws and regulations on antimicrobials, and implement AMU surveillance systems.

Different kettles of fish: Varying patterns of antibiotic use on pig, chicken and fish farms in Lao PDR and implications for antimicrobial resistance strategies.

The rapid intensification of the livestock sector in Southeast Asia has been found to be associated with an expanding use of antibiotics (ABU) and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in both humans and livestock. This study aimed to explore the views and practices of commercial pig, poultry and fish farmers regarding antibiotics in Lao People's Democratic Republic, where data on antibiotic use and AMR remain scarce. A multistage cluster sampling method, based on the random selection of villages in two provinces of Vientiane, was used. A total of 364 farmers, corresponding to 454 farm units, were surveyed using a questionnaire and farm visits. This study found a widespread use of antibiotics (261 out of the 454 farm units used antibiotics). The predominance of antibiotics considered critically important antibiotics for human medicine was of great concern. Results from a logistic regression model showed that antibiotics were found less frequently in fish farm units compared to pig and poultry farm units, and more frequently in specialized farms than in livestock-fish farms. Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three profiles of farmers, each with distinct patterns on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding ABU and AMR. Cluster 1 held a positive attitude regarding preventive measures and information about antibiotics. In cluster 2, there was a view that antibiotics should be used for prophylactic treatment such as disease prevention. Cluster 3 was characterized by farmers with weak knowledge who were unfamiliar with antibiotics and uncertain about details concerning antibiotic use. This cluster was associated with a significantly lower use of antibiotics than the two other clusters in the regression model. The results of this study may help the Laotian government to adapt strategies to control AMR by focusing on the use of critical antibiotics and prophylactic treatments and by tailoring measures to farmers' profiles.

Campylobacter jejuni in Poultry: Pathogenesis and Control Strategies

C. jejuni is the leading cause of human foodborne illness associated with poultry, beef, and pork consumption. C. jejuni is highly prevalent in commercial poultry farms, where horizontal transmission from the environment is considered to be the primary source of C. jejuni. As an enteric pathogen, C. jejuni expresses virulence factors regulated by a two-component system that mediates C. jejuni's ability to survive in the host. C. jejuni survives and reproduces in the avian intestinal mucus. The avian intestinal mucus is highly sulfated and sialylated compared with the human mucus modulating C. jejuni pathogenicity into a near commensal bacteria in poultry. Birds are usually infected from two to four weeks of age and remain colonized until they reach market age. A small dose of C. jejuni (around 35 CFU/mL) is sufficient for successful bird colonization. In the U.S., where chickens are raised under antibiotic-free environments, additional strategies are required to reduce C. jejuni prevalence on broilers farms. Strict biosecurity measures can decrease C. jejuni prevalence by more than 50% in broilers at market age. Vaccination and probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, organic acids, bacteriophages, bacteriocins, and quorum sensing inhibitors supplementation can improve gut health and competitively exclude C. jejuni load in broilers. Most of the mentioned strategies showed promising results; however, they are not fully implemented in poultry production. Current knowledge on C. jejuni's morphology, source of transmission, pathogenesis in poultry, and available preharvest strategies to decrease C. jejuni colonization in broilers are addressed in this review.

Effect of replacing inorganic minerals with small peptide chelated minerals on production performance, some biochemical parameters and antioxidant status in broiler chickens.

Due to the low bio-availability of inorganic trace minerals, its application in poultry production has been causing many problems such as environment pollution and waste of resources. The current study was designed to evaluate if replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with small peptide chelate trace minerals (SPM) affects production performance, some biochemical parameters and antioxidant status, tibia mineral deposition, and fecal mineral content in 817 white-feathered broilers. A total of 432 broilers (21-day-old) were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates of 18 chicks each. The four groups included inorganic trace minerals group (addition of 1,000mg/kg ITM; common practice by commercial poultry farms), three organic trace minerals groups with supplementation of 150, 300, and 500mg/kg SPM, respectively. The experiment lasted for 30days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and slaughter performance among the four groups (p > 0.05). Total cholesterol in the SPM group was significantly lower than those in the ITM groups (p < 0.01). Compared with the ITM group, the serum urea nitrogen in 150 and 300mg/kg SPM groups decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Among all SPM treatments, 300mg/kg SPM groups had the highest serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.01). The activity of copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) of liver in ITM group was the lowest among the four groups (p < 0.01). The catalase (CAT) activity of liver in the 150mg/kg SPM group was significantly higher than the ITM group and 300mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.05). Compared to the ITM group, the iron content of the tibia was significantly increased in 300mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.05) and 500mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.01). Compared to the ITM group, dietary supplementation with SPM significantly reduced fecal content of zinc and manganese (p < 0.01). The 150mg/kg SPM and 300mg/kg SPM group had significantly reduced content of iron (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that replacing inorganic minerals with low doses of SPM (300 and 500mg/kg) did not negatively affect growth and slaughter performance, as well as the antioxidant status of broiler chickens. In addition, SPM can also promote mineral content in the tibia and reduce mineral content in the feces.

Prevelance and clinical signs of chewing lice in local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Menoua Division, Western highlands of Cameroon.

Ectoparasite infestations are a major concern in local poultry sector as they cause body weight loss, drop in laying performance and disease transmission. Thus, a study was conducted from April to June 2021 to assess the prevalence and clinical signs of ectoparasites in backyard chickens in Menoua, West region of Cameroon. Ectoparasites were investigated on 400 local chickens. Results showed that out of 400 chickens, 133 (33.3%) were infested with at least one species of ectoparasite. Two chewing lice including Menopon gallinae (26.3%) and Goniocotes gallinae (4.5%) and one blood-feeding louse including Menacanthus stramineus (16.0%) were identified. The prevalence was significantly associated with the sampling site (p<0.05), with the highest prevalence recorded in Balessing (49.5%), followed by Foreke (38.8%) and Bamendou (27.1%). There was a positive and significant correlation between M. gallinae and M. stramineus (r=0.329, p<0.05)), M. gallinae and G. gallinae (r=0.199, p<0.05), M. stramineus and G. gallinae (r=0.103, p<0.05). Single infestation was the most frequent (19.0%) followed by double infestation which consist of M. gallinae and M. stramineus (9.5%), M. gallinae and G. gallinae (3%), and M. stramineus and G. gallinae (1.5%). The infested chickens exhibited some degree of restlessness, frequent grooming of the feathers associated with skin irritation, itching and mechanical damage on the skin. The skin lesions were localized on the cloaca, thigh, wing, neck and chest areas of the body; petechiae as well as whitish scabs were observed on the lesions. The feathers were ruffled, and the bases of some of the feathers were gnawed as a result of lice bites. In conclusion, chewing lice occur in local chickens in Menoua Division, inducing severe clinical signs. Thus, commercial poultry farms (raising exotic breeds) with access to free range chickens (local chickens) in Menoua Division are exposed to lice infestations from these local chickens. Further investigations are required in the dry season in order to be well acquainted with ectoparasites occurring in the local chickens in the area.

Epidemiological situation of Avian Influenza in Ukraine during 2020–2021

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are spread globally by wild migratory birds that are reservoirs of AIVs. Epidemics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) can devastate the poultry industry and result in severe trade restrictions. Many routes of wild migratory birds pass through the territory of Ukraine, therefore studying the circulation of the viruses is important for the prevention of AIV spreading. The aim of the investigation was to summarize and analyze results of AI tests carried out by state laboratories during 2020–2021. The tests were conducted in the framework of state control of AI aimed to early detection and prevention of HPAI virus spreading on the territory of Ukraine. 27 354 samples of biological material from wild and domestic birds (11 115 samples – in 2020 and 16 239 – in 2021) were tested by PCR in State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise and regional state laboratories. For PCR testing commercial kits and reagents were used: IndiSpin Pathogen Kit (INDICAL BIOSCIENCE), VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific), AIV H5-H7 REAL TIME (ADIAVET), AgPath-ID™ One-Step RT-PCR Reagents (Ambion) with N8 RT-PCR primers and probe. In 2020, 84 positive samples on AI type A subtype H5N8 from poultry of Vinnytsia, Kherson, Kyiv and Mykolaiv oblasts was detected. In 2021, the presence of AIV RNA subtype H5N8 and H5N1 was detected in 87 samples (72 samples from poultry, 11 from wild birds and 4 from zoo birds) of Mykolaiv, Kyiv, Donetsk, Ternopil and Kherson oblasts. In 2020, 9 outbreaks of AI were registered in Vinnytsia (1), Mykolaiv(5), Kyiv (2) and Kherson (1) oblasts; in 2021, 11 outbreaks were registered in Mykolaiv (4), Kyiv (2), Donetsk (2), Ternopil (1) and Kherson (2) oblasts. In general, during 2020–2021, 20 outbreaks of AI subtype H5 (3 – commercial poultry farms, 13 – from backyards, 3 – in wild birds and 1 – in zoo birds) were registered in 6 oblasts of Ukraine. RNA of AIV in the samples from imported birds was not detected. Wild migratory birds are the most likely source of AIV in Ukraine since most outbreaks were registered in oblasts located at the crossing of wild bird migratory routes.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5Nx, Clade 2.3.4.4.b) in Poultry and Wild Birds in Sweden: Synopsis of the 2020-2021 Season.

Simple SummaryHighly pathogenic avian influenza is a virus-induced contagious disease that has killed a large number of poultry and wild birds in Europe in the recent decade and is an increasing problem worldwide. In the winter of 2020–2021, Sweden experienced its worst period to date when the disease was diagnosed on 15 commercial poultry farms and over 2.2 million birds died or were euthanised. The disease was also diagnosed in 130 wild birds and nine flocks of hobby, game or zoo birds between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2021. The aim of this article was to describe the influenza situation in Sweden during this period and to add to the knowledge related to the alarming situation with highly pathogenic influenza in birds. The disease caused animal suffering and death in wild and domestic birds and incurred high costs due to losses and extensive measures to stop spread. The outbreak investigations, where contacts were traced and virus strains were compared, concluded that the virus was brought to poultry farms by wild birds in most cases. More research is needed to obtain knowledge on risk factors, biosecurity, and wild bird presence on poultry farms to prevent future disease outbreaks.Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, Gs/Gd lineage) was introduced to Europe in 2005 and has since caused numerous outbreaks in birds. The 2020–2021 season was the hitherto most devastating when considering bird numbers and duration in Europe. Surveillance data, virologic results and epidemiologic investigations from the 2020–2021 outbreaks in Sweden were analysed. Subtypes H5N8 and H5N5 were detected on 24 farms with poultry or other captive birds. In wild birds, subtypes H5N8, H5N5, H5N1, H5N4, H5Nx were detected in 130 out of 811 sampled birds. There was a spatiotemporal association between cases in wild birds and poultry. Based on phylogeny and epidemiology, most of the introductions of HPAI to commercial poultry were likely a result of indirect contact with wild birds. A definite route of introduction to poultry could not be established although some biosecurity breaches were observed. No spread between farms was identified but airborne spread between flocks on the same farm was suspected. Our findings exemplify the challenges posed by the continuously changing influenza viruses that seem to adapt to a broader species spectrum. This points to the importance of wild bird surveillance, compliance to biosecurity, and identification of risk factors for introduction on poultry farms.

Seroprevalence, Identification, and Pathology of Salmonellosis in Selected Poultry Farms at Barishal District of Bangladesh

Salmonellosis is a critical challenge in commercial poultry farming. This study aimed to calculate seroprevalence, identify Salmonella spp., and its pathological investigation from January to December 2019. One hundred fifty (150) serum samples and fifty (50) cloacal swabs from apparently ill and healthy birds were collected in this study. Seroprevalence was observed by serum plate agglutination (SPA) tests. The tentative diagnosis of salmonellosis was made based on history, clinical signs and bacteriological studies. Salmonella spp. was further confirmed using an automated microbiological method (VITEK®2). Post mortem examination was done in apparently sick birds, and gross and microscopic pathological lesions were investigated and recorded in a datasheet. The overall seroprevalence of salmonellosis was 42.67% in commercial chickens. Age wise prevalence of avian salmonellosis showed significantly highest infection rate in adult layers (≥ 45 days old) 65.31%, then 40.74%up to 45 days. In case of broiler, the prevalence rate in 0-10 days, 11-20 days, and 21-35 days were 13.63%, 44.12%, and 16.67%, respectively. Seasonal influence showed significantly highest proportionate prevalence of salmonellosis during summer 66.15%in comparison to winter 25.00% and rainy 24.44% seasons respectively. In bacteriological study, 12 samples were positive for Salmonellae among 50 cloacal samples. Out of 12 positive samples 5 samples were selected for the automated microbiology system VITEK® 2, and only two samples were confirmed as Salmonella gallinarum. Gross pathology of representative organs revealed bronze-colored enlarged liver, hemorrhages in the spleen and lungs, and hemorrhages in the ovary with stalk development. Microscopically, multifocal nodule formation and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver parenchyma and marked congestion with inflammatory cells in the spleen, hemorrhage and congestion in the lungs and intestine.