Avian Influenza is a so-called listed disease (mandatory to report), specifically LPAI H9N2 is still causing economics losses by reducing poultry health, welfare and performance. The losses can be further increase when other respiratory viral or bacterial diseases are present at the same time.
Marc Rachoine, Technical Head at UTRIX, explains: “While the level of Avian Influenza outbreaks in the MEA region is hitting poultry farms in a wavelike manner, other viral diseases remain more persistent threats in the regions our poultry customers are located.”
Common viral threats for the MEA region include:
- Newcastle Disease (ND) genotype 7: Potential to cause severe outbreaks with high mortality rates
- Infectious bursal disease (IBD): Related to immune suppression problems
- Fowl Adenovirus: Difficulty in protection due to the very low cross protection between different serotypes
- Infectious Bronchitis (IB), including variant strains: A highly contagious respiratory disease
“For IBD for example, we see that the classical and variant strains are recently emerging in the Middle East. In addition, diseases caused by Mycoplasma (M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae) and Clostridium perfringens, as well as parasitic infections such as coccidiosis cause significant damage and should be controlled as much as possible. Heat stress, poor management and housing conditions can intensify the spread and effect of these pathogens on flocks”, Mr. Rachoine addresses.
To effectively manage these pathogen pressures, a comprehensive approach is essential, including solid biosecurity measures, proper climate control and tailor-made diet formulation. Biosecurity measures prevent pathogens to enter the farm and limit spreading. Proper climate control maintains birds’ comfort, health, and performance while minimizing disease risk. Good nutrition and the use of certain feed additives support healthy birds and make them more resilient to deal with challenges during production.
Our solutions at UTRIX are tailored to optimize diets, and help manage feed and water quality, environmental hygiene, and biosecurity, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of your flocks: Our Solutions – UTRIX S.A.L