European Poultry Research Articles

First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry in Spain

In October 2009, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was isolated for the first time in poultry in Spain. Sequencing analysis revealed that it was an H7N7 HPAIV. The progenitors of H7 HPAIV strains involved in recent European poultry outbreaks were simultaneously circulating in wild birds. The infected Spanish farm is located close to a reservoir abundant in wild birds. Epidemiological investigation found no links to other poultry holdings and those located in the control area were negative for AIV. Previous spatial risk analyses had identified the area where the infected holding is located to beat high relative risk for the introduction and presence of H5N1 HPAIV by wild birds. We suggest a risk-based surveillance scheme that targets smaller geographical units but maintains the number of wild birds being sampled, as early detection of potentially pathogenic AIV is crucial in preventing spread to poultry.

Phylogenetic Analysis of the Hemagglutinin Gene of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H7N7 Strains in Mallards in Northern Europe

The H7 subtype of avian influenza (AI) has the capability to evolve into a highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) virus. In this study, we have characterized the hemagglutinin (HA) genes of three avian H7N7 influenza A viruses isolated from healthy migratory mallards in Northern Europe in three different years to study the natural variation of these viruses in the natural reservoir. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the H7 HA genes were all closely related to recent H7 isolates responsible for influenza outbreaks in poultry in Europe. The A/mallard/Sweden/S90735/2003 isolate clustered together with the HA gene of A/mallard/Netherlands/12/00/H7N3 (AY338460), which has been shown to be closely related to the H7N7 responsible for HPAI outbreaks in The Netherlands and Germany in 2003. In contrast, the HA gene of the two mallard strains A/mallard/Sweden/ S90597/2005 and A/mallard/Sweden/100993/2008 were more related to the chicken strain isolated in domestic poultry in England in 2006, A/Ch/England/4054/2006/H7N3 (EF467826), and 2008, A/Ch/England/2008/H7N7 (214011964). Analysis of the deduced HA amino acid sequence shows two different HA cleavage sites in these isolates. Although these HA cleavage sites are consistent with a low pathogenicity AI, the cleavage sites appear to posses an increasing numbers of basic amino acids over time (PEIPKGRGLF in 2003 and 2005 and PEIPKKRGLF in 2008). The conclusion from this study is that H7 subtypes isolated from healthy mallards are closely related to the H7 subtypes that have caused recent influenza outbreaks in poultry in Europe.

Gene segment reassortment between Eurasian and American clades of avian influenza virus in Italy

All genes of avian influenza A viruses are phylogenetically distinguished into two large clades, namely the American and Eurasian clade. Reassortments among the gene segments of influenza viruses belonging to the two distinct clades are rare events and have never been described in poultry in Europe and Asia before. This study presents the genetic characterization of two influenza viruses isolated from domestic mallards in Italy in 2004 and 2005. Phylogenetic analysis of the entire genome showed that these viruses contain mixed gene segments belonging to the American and Eurasian clades.

The European perspective on pale, soft, exudative conditions in poultry

Over the past 15 yr, the European poultry processing industry has gradually increased the availability of poultry meat in a large variety of processed ready meals following what occurred a few years before in North America. This shift toward further processed products has emphasized the necessity for higher standards in poultry meat to improve sensory characteristics and functional properties. In parallel to this market change, the consciousness of the pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like meat issue has extensively grown. In poultry, PSE-like meat can be generally considered meat having low ultimate pH, pale color, and poor functional properties (i.e., low water-holding capacity). In the last 10 yr, some studies have been undertaken in Europe to both characterize and evaluate the overall incidence of PSE-like chicken and turkey breast meat. According to these studies, the occurrence of PSE-like meat can be up to 40% within a flock during hot climate. Several key factors have been identified and their effects have been analyzed, including genetics, season, antemortem factors, and slaughtering conditions.

Immunisation with recombinant proteins subolesin and Bm86 for the control of Dermanyssus gallinae in poultry

Dermanyssus gallinae has a worldwide distribution and is considered to be the most serious and economically significant ectoparasite affecting egg-laying poultry in Europe. Recombinant Bm86 and subolesin proteins derived from Boophilus microplus ticks and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were used to immunise poultry in an attempt to control D. gallinae in vitro. Immunisation with subolesin and Bm86 stimulated different profiles of IgY response, whilst Bm86 but not subolesin was recognized by IgY on western blots. Orthologues for Bm86 were not found in D. gallinae by PCR, but a 150 bp fragment aligned with mammalian akirin 1 and a 300 bp fragment aligned with Amblyomma hebraeum were amplified by subolesin PCR. D. gallinae mortality after feeding was 35.1% higher ( P = 0.009) in the Subolesin group and 23% higher (not significant) in the Bm86 compared to the Control group. Thus it can be concluded that immunisation with recombinant subolesin can stimulate a protective response in laying hens against D. gallinae.

Consumer perception of poultry meat and the importance of country of origin in a purchase making process

The development of the global poultry meat market has, in recent years, been marked by rapid, unexpected and complex changes. The poultry meat industry is one of the most competitive international sectors and is currently in its mature stage of development. In order to maintain their competitive position on the market, companies have to constantly prove themselves by supplying innovative products and processes.This review focuses on recent trends in Slovenia, and the aim is to demonstrate how the present situation in Slovenia fits into the general trends within the European Union.The article concentrates on the results of the primary quantitative research, which was carried out via individual personal interviews. The sample consisted of 600 Slovenian poultry meat consumers, aged between 18 and 65 years. Special attention was paid to the origin of meat in the consumer's decision-making process. The positive perception of poultry meat and the importance of its origin in the purchase-decision-making process were evident from the survey and knowing meat origin plays a key role in the purchase-decision-making process. The trends in poultry meat consumption, which were determined in our study of the European poultry meat market, were thus confirmed by the quantitative research, which was also carried out in Slovenia.

Characterization of the immune response of domestic fowl following immunization with proteins extracted from Dermanyssus gallinae

Dermanyssus gallinae is the most significant ectoparasite of European poultry egg laying production systems due to high costs of control and associated production losses as well as adverse effects on bird welfare. In this study, soluble proteins were extracted from unfed D. gallinae (DGE) using a urea-based detergent and ultra-filtration, passed through a 0.22 μm filter and blended aseptically with adjuvant. One group of laying hens was immunized with DGE and adjuvant (Montanide ISA 50 V) whilst another group (Control) received physiological saline and adjuvant. All birds were immunized on two occasions, 21 days apart. Antibody response to immunization was determined by ELISA and western blotting using immunoglobulins (Igs) extracted from egg yolk. DGE immunization of hens resulted in a significant ( P < 0.05) IgY response compared to controls, although there was no significant difference in IgM response between treatments. A number of proteins were identified by western blotting using IgY antibodies from DGE immunized birds, most prominently at 40 and 230 kDa. Analysis of proteins from approximately corresponding bands on SDS-PAGE confirmed the identity of tropomyosin, whilst other proteins showed high sequence homology with myosin and actin from other arachnid and insect species. Immunization of hens with DGE resulted in a 50.6% increase in mite mortality ( P < 0.001) 17 h after feeding when tested by an in vitro mite feeding model. Data in this study demonstrate that somatic antigens from D. gallinae can be used to stimulate a protective immune response in laying hens. Further work is needed to identify other proteins of interest that could confer higher protection against D. gallinae, as well as optimization of the vaccination and in vitro testing protocol.

Standard European footpad dermatitis scoring system for use in turkey processing plants

A standard scoring system for turkeys at slaughter that consists of 5 categories based on the size of the lesion was adopted as the recommended classification scheme for FPD in slaughter plants at a meeting of the WPSA European Poultry Federation Working Party Number 10: Turkeys. Each score of the classification scheme is defined and photographs of a minimal lesion in each category are presented. The numbers of turkeys required for scoring to determine the prevalence of FPD, if the target or expected frequency is 10, 20 or 40% respectively are 150, 250 and 400 birds. Assessment of the consecutive right foot for the required number of birds from the middle load of a specific flock with a minimum of 3 flocks from a given site is recommended. The classification scheme will facilitate comparisons across countries and systems of production and allow rational decisions to be made regarding management changes to decrease the prevalence of FPD in Europe.

Molecular analysis of avian H7 influenza viruses circulating in Eurasia in 1999–2005: detection of multiple reassortant virus genotypes

Avian influenza infections by high and low pathogenicity H7 influenza viruses have caused several outbreaks in European poultry in recent years, also resulting in human infections. Although in some cases the source of H7 strains from domestic poultry was shown to be the viruses circulating in the wild bird reservoir, a thorough characterization of the entire genome of H7 viruses from both wild and domestic Eurasian birds, and their evolutionary relationships, has not been conducted. In our study, we have analysed low pathogenicity H7 influenza strains isolated from wild and domestic ducks in Italy and southern China and compared them with those from reared terrestrial poultry such as chicken and turkey. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the H7 haemagglutinin genes were all closely related to each other, whereas the remaining genes could be divided into two or more phylogenetic groups. Almost each year different H7 reassortant viruses were identified and in at least two different years more than one H7 genotype co-circulated. A recent precursor in wild waterfowl was identified for most of the gene segments of terrestrial poultry viruses. Our data suggest that reassortment allows avian influenza viruses, in their natural reservoir, to increase their genetic diversity. In turn this might help avian influenza viruses colonize a wider range of hosts, including domestic poultry.

History of the Use of Antibiotic as Growth Promoters in European Poultry Feeds

Use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feeds has been permitted in the member states of the European Union during the last 50 yr. However, concerns about development of antimicrobial resistance and about transference of antibiotic resistance genes from animal to human microbiota, led to withdraw approval for antibiotics as growth promoters in the European Union since January 1, 2006. This report analyzes the history of European legislation regarding the use of antibiotics in poultry feeds, since the first harmonization by Directive 70/524 until Regulation 1831/2003 deleted these substances from the European Register of additives permitted in feeds. The European support to recommendations of the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Organization for Animal Health for a ban on antimicrobial use in animal feeds is expected to favor other countries also phase these substances out.

Control of a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in the GB poultry flock

The identification of H5N1 in domestic poultry in Europe has increased the risk of infection reaching most industrialized poultry populations. Here, using detailed data on the poultry population in Great Britain (GB), we show that currently planned interventions based on movement restrictions can be expected to control the majority of outbreaks. The probability that controls fail to keep an outbreak small only rises to significant levels if most transmission occurs via mechanisms which are both untraceable and largely independent of the local density of premises. We show that a predictor of the need to intensify control efforts in GB is whether an outbreak exceeds 20 infected premises. In such a scenario neither localized reactive vaccination nor localized culling are likely to have a substantial impact. The most effective of these contingent interventions are large radius (10 km) localized culling and national vaccination. However, the modest impact of these approaches must be balanced against their substantial inconvenience and cost.

Pandemic Flu Jitters Grip Washington

PUBLIC HEALTHLast week saw a flurry of political activity on influenza in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, new reports from Turkey and Romania raised alarms that the H5N1 avian influenza strain may sweep through European poultry.

Bird flu fears heading west

Bird flu fears heading west

Differentiation of five strains of infectious bursal disease virus: Development of a strain-specific multiplex PCR

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a major cause of disease problems in the poultry industry and vaccination has therefore been applied intensively to control the infection. The classical methods of detection and characterization of IBDV are by the use of immunodiffusion test and histopathology. Since these methods are laborious and have low specificity alternatives are needed. In the present study, we report the development of a strain-specific multiplex RT-PCR technique, which can detect and differentiate between field strains of IBDV and vaccine virus strains including a so-called hot vaccine strain widely used in the European poultry industry. The method, which is highly specific, fast and inexpensive, can be applied in all laboratories with basal PCR capabilities and equipment.

Influence of Non-Starch Polysaccharides Structure on the Metabolisable Energy of U.K. Wheat Fed to Poultry

With the inclusion of wheat in European poultry diets at 600 g/kg, or more, there is increasing concern that its apparent metabolisable energy (AME) is more variable than would be predicted by conventional analysis. Twelve samples of wheat with a range of AME values (8·34–13·74 MJ/kg dry matter when fed to broiler chicks aged 11–14 d at 750 g/kg diet) were used to investigate the causes of this variability. AME was not correlated with the amount of total water-soluble non-starch polysaccharide (sNSP), soluble arabinoxylan (the major polysaccharide contributing to NSP) or (1→3, 1→4)-β-glucan released from the grain or with the viscosity of aqueous extracts. Surprisingly,in vitroviscosity was negatively related to soluble (r2=0·61) and total (r2=0·82) arabinoxylan. This was thought to be due to the slow, but cumulative, action of endogenous hydrolases in the stored grain. Soluble NSP from each wheat was characterised by measurement of molecular weight distribution and the structural features of arabinoxylan determined from the amount and nature of the oligosaccharides released following treatment with an endo-xylanase. Oligomer molecular weight was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry and structure by NMR. Multivariate analysis of the 32 variables measured provided a three-term model able to explain approximately 0·80 of the variation between wheat samples: AME=8·07+11·16(XRAX)+30·67(AX-6)−0·355(sNSP) Two terms (XRAX, the proportion of arabinoxylan resistant to hydrolysis by xylanase and AX-6, the properties of branched six-sugar present in hydrolysates) reflected the degree of branching of arabinoxylan and were positively associated with AME while the third term, the amount of sNSP present, was negatively related.

Céréales entières pour les poulets de chair : le retour ?

L’utilisation des céréales entières distribuées avec un aliment complémentaire dans l’alimentation du poulet de chair présente un regain d’intérêt avec les succès rencontrés dans certains élevages d’Europe du nord. Les résultats de la recherche permettent de comparer les trois principaux modes de distribution des deux aliments : l’alimentation séparée dans l’espace, le mélange et l’alimentation séquentielle.&#x0D; Mélange et alimentation séquentielle sont adaptés à l’élevage : ces techniques permettent de mieux contrôler les proportions de céréale et d’aliment complémentaire consommées par les poulets. L’alimentation séparée laisse en revanche s’exprimer les facteurs individuels de la sélection alimentaire et ne permet pas toujours d’obtenir la croissance et la composition corporelle escomptées par l’éleveur.&#x0D; Le poulet digère aussi bien les céréales entières que broyées. Il est capable de s’adapter rapidement à un régime comportant une céréale entière, en modifiant son comportement alimentaire. La présentation physique et la composition de l’aliment complémentaire affectent la proportion de céréales consommée. Les céréales entières induisent un développement du gésier, dont les effets sur la digestion et la prévention de la coccidiose méritent d’être approfondis.&#x0D; La technique du mélange est maîtrisée et appliquée dans les élevages d’Europe du nord, avec des systèmes de distribution informatisés. Il reste à valider en pratique le mode de distribution séquentiel, moins coûteux que le mélange, et à étudier l’intérêt économique réel de cette méthode d’alimentation pour l’éleveur de poulet en France.

A Differentiated Goods Model of the Effects of European Policies in International Poultry Markets

AbstractThe Common Agricultural Policy increases European poultry production costs, prohibits imports, increases domestic prices, and subsidizes exports. This policy has displaced some U.S. exports. However, the net impact in the U.S. has been quite modest, even assuming poultry is homogeneous, independent of source country. Costs to U.S. producers are almost entirely offset by gains to U.S. consumers. Effects in the U.S. are even smaller when imperfect substitutability between poultry from different countries is accounted for. A retaliatory U.S. export subsidy would have more dramatic effects in U.S. markets.

Random Sample Poultry Tests—Their Development and Present Status in European Countries

SummaryThe installation of the first random sample test in U.S.A. 35 years ago was followed by a rapid growth in the number of testing stations for egg-laying, broiler and turkey stocks. In other countries, mainly in those with a fast growing poultry industry, this idea was also adopted but with a delay of about 15 years, and even so was not applied to nearly the same extent as in the United States and Canada. There is no doubt that the application of random sample testing had a considerable impact on the rate of improvement of efficiency in poultry production. Making objective information concerning the relative quality of commercial poultry stocks readily available, stimulated competition and challenged breeders to rationalize and increase their efforts.Random sample meat performance tests never reached the importance of egg production RST's and are more or less a matter of the past. The decreasing interest in RST's for egg production stock, particularly in North America, might be a reflection of changes which have been induced by applying random sample testing. These tests obviously favoured the persistence of larger breeders and made it more difficult for smaller breeders to survive.In contrast to the situation in North America, random sample egg-laying tests are still operating in 8 European countries. Obviously, poultry farmers in these countries are in favour of continuing these tests. Resulting from an initiative of Working Group No. 3 (Poultry Breeding and Genetics) of the European Federation of WPSA-Branches, a combined summary of European egg-laying tests has been available since 1974. These combined summaries should offer a more reliable basis for European poultry farmers to decide on a commercial stock for their operation than results from tests in their own country alone.

4th European Poultry Conference

4th European Poultry Conference

4th European Poultry Conference

4th European Poultry Conference