Health management in poultry

Coccidiosis is one of the most widespread intestinal diseases throughout the world in poultry production. It costs 2.4 billion US dollars as a result of production losses and for preventive and curative treatments every year. This disease occurs as a result of the presence of a protozoal parasite named Eimeria.

Coccidiosis outbreaks usually occur at around 2 weeks of age, and the damage they cause to the gut wall (lesions…) is very often the starting point for dysbiosis. This means that the homeostasis (equilibrium) of the microbiota, the gut barrier, and the inflammatory status of the animal is ruptured, and this favors such secondary infections as E. coli and Salmonella. The detrimental consequences are numerous, for example: diarrhea, a higher FCR, more water in the feces, which in turn degrades the housing conditions, and poorer feed usage. Overall, coccidiosis results in a growth delay and a loss of performance.

Two options are currently available to manage this issue: coccidiostats and vaccines. The use of coccidiostats is the main way of monitoring this natural infection, which occurs in each and every flock. There are 2 types of coccidiostats, that is, ionophores, which are considered as antibiotics, and chemical ones. However, coccidia populations are developing resistance to these molecules, and programs have to be changed on a regular basis (rotation). Moreover, ionophores are considered as antibiotics and have growth promoting effects, which raises regulatory issues. For instance, ionophores are banned in the USA.

The second option is vaccination. The use of vaccine is growing, despite its costs, especially for broilers. The principle of vaccination is to stimulate the innate immune system of the birds early on by introducing attenuated strains of coccidia. These strains multiply in the animal, thereby stimulating the development of immunity which helps maintain a balance between the host and the parasites. Despite its efficacy, vaccination causes intestinal stress to poultry and a loss of body weight.

Adisseo can co-position its digestive health and performance products with vaccination.

Dysbiosis, which evolves into necrotic enteritis, is one of the most serious issues for poultry production throughout the world. It has been shown to be the main health issue poultry producers have had to face since antibiotic growth promoters have been removed from the market. The economic losses have been estimated to be about $6 billion per year worldwide.

Necrotic enteritis is an acute form of enterotoxaemia (absorption of large volumes of bacterial toxins). The clinical illness usually lasts for a very short time, and the only signs are often just a severe depression, which is followed quickly by a sudden increase in flock mortality. The disease primarily affects broiler chickens (2-5 weeks old) and turkeys (7-12 weeks old) raised on litter, but it can also affect commercial layer pullets raised in cages.

The causative agent is a commensal gram-positive bacterium, which is found in the digestive tract of poultry (anaerobic), called Clostridium perfringens. There are two primary Clostridium perfringens types, that is, A and C, both of which are associated with necrotic enteritis in poultry. Toxins produced by the bacteria cause damage to the small intestine, liver lesions and mortality.

This disease is characterized by poor digestion, a reduced weight gain and an increased feed conversion ratio. However, these signs are not specific of this disease alone. When there is the possibility of necrotic enteritis, birds should be submitted to necropsy. The hallmark of this disease is the presence of typical necrotic lesions in the intestinal tract. Prevention and the close monitoring of the first symptoms can help to control the disease through a responsible use of antibiotics. 

Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) caused by Enterococcus cecorum is a significant health issue in poultry, particularly broiler chickens. This bacterial infection leads to inflammation and necrosis of the bones, primarily affecting the femur and tibia. The disease is often triggered by a combination of factors including rapid growth rates, high-density living conditions, and skeletal stress, which make the birds more susceptible to infection.

The consequences for the animals include severe lameness, pain, and ultimately, increased mortality. For producers, BCO results in significant economic losses due to decreased productivity, higher mortality rates, increased culling, and costs related to veterinary care and management interventions. The overall impact includes reduced meat quality and yield, leading to lower profitability.