Pathogens MDPI’s Post

The parasitic disease coccidiosis remains one of the most economically significant diseases for turkeys. In 2023, coccidiosis ranked 10th in a US turkey industry survey of 38 health issues.   Not only does coccidiosis compromise gut health, it also makes turkeys more susceptible to other infectious agents. Worse yet, the disease often goes undetected in turkeys because intestinal lesions resulting from the disease are not as pronounced as in chickens.   In a comprehensive, educational article for Modern Poultry, scientists at HUVEPHARMA, INC look at the disease’s interactions with other pathogens, diagnostics and intervention strategies. Read the article at https://lnkd.in/eJqXtbzk #poultryproduction #coccidiosis Vijay Durairaj Ryan Vander Veen Steven Clark

The knock-on effects of this for the world livestock industry are still extremely hazy, but potentially quite extensive. Will we need credible surveillance in commercial cattle, swine, sheep herds, in addition to poultry, not for animal illness necessarily, but for potential zoonotic genomic drift? Hopefully these cattle cases will die out quickly when bird contact is eliminated, but we'll need more evidence if that is the case. I don't see how we can afford to conduct individual animal PCR testing as a screening process for this risk, unless clinical case definitions are really effective in targeting herds at risk, i.e. high evidence of wild bird contact prior to clinical signs. If we get mammal to mammal spread or asymptomatic infection in herds with uncertain bird exposure, surveillance will get really messy. Swine have been really resistant to H5 in the past; recent work published in EID by Arruda et al may call that into some question. So much to learn and plenty of justifiable concern... (https://lnkd.in/edmCVN7q)

The cause of mystery illness in Texas and Kansas dairy cows is now identified as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) a.k.a bird flu virus. This is a very concerning development as the range of mammalian hosts found naturally infected with HPAIVs is expanding. The unprecedented clinical illness in cattle is a stark reminder that HPAIVs pose the single greatest threat to animal and human health globally. There is an urgent need for the implementation of #OneHealth approaches to monitor and mitigate the #Globalhealth threat posed by HPAIVs. At Pitt Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, we recognize #OneHealth is pivotal in our collective efforts to promote planetary health. https://lnkd.in/gNap69Dv) https://lnkd.in/gkrSdxx4

UV can be reactive. But better yet - proactive. Destroy airborne pathogens for higher productivity, savings, and especially prevention. No matter what's next.

More about the recent findings of H5N1 influenza in dairy cows in the US, which constitutes the first report ever of this viral subtype in cows. Some epidemiologists are concerned with the possibility that the virus is spreading directly between cattle. This time cows are actually getting sick, suffering gastrointestinal symptoms, loss of appetite, fever and reduced milk production. Compounding the problem, one epidemiologist at UTMB states that farmers in Texas are not collaborating with them to answer some important questions, including the mode of transmission of the virus. Farmers are apparently d concern that some findings could hurt business. #influenza #avianinfluenza #birdflu #USDA #Texas #Kansas #NewMexico #H5N1 #health #globalhealth #publichealth #medicine #CDC #WHO #FDA https://lnkd.in/gBCxhzF7

Emerging infectious diseases, such as avian flu, can have significant consequences for global food supplies. The recent rise in egg prices across Europe and the USA due to avian flu is a striking example. Soon, my research group will be publishing findings that detail the varied impacts of avian flu on the egg and poultry meat supply chains. Stay tuned! #AvianFlu #OneHealth #SuplyChains #FoodSystems #GlobalSustainability

As the poultry and dairy industries face evolving challenges, the HPAI Impact & Insights Forum in Arlington, VA, on October 29-30 offers a crucial platform for forward-thinking dialogue. This forum will dive into the domestic and international impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), unpacking key epidemiological trends, biosecurity advancements, and real-world experiences from producers. We’ll also explore effective communication strategies to better prepare for and manage future outbreaks. Join industry leaders as we share insights, shape best practices, and collaborate on building a more resilient future for both the poultry and dairy sectors. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NZUXOJ #delongs #HPAI #biosecurity #industryleadership #poultryanddairy #futureofbiosecurity #thoughtleaders

Why our broken food system may be endangering your health… 💔 Bird flu, 😷 that is H5N1, the pathogen that scientist thought a few years back would be the original most likely pathogen candidate to start a global pandemic ☠️ has been making the rounds. It’s been not so quietly simmering for a few years. And now, it’s breaking out into the bright lights and big time- making itself known to all. 😳 You may notice that egg 🍳prices have been rising and perhaps milk and dairy 🧀 prices too. But these markers are just the tip of the iceberg. 🥶 Raising poultry 🐓 in large confined animal feeding operations- where they can barely breathe or walk 🥺 turns out to be the perfect for transmitting bird flu to wild birds. And this bird flu has actually spread all over the entire world.🌍 That’s right, even in Antartica. Poor penguins 🐧 ! And, guess what? It’s now jumped species. There are marine animals 🐬and other farm animals 🐮. It’s turning up in the milk. Hopefully, pig farms aren’t next, cause once that happens, well - let’s just say things are going to get a bit interesting. What to do? 🤷🏽♀️I’m not an immunologist! I’m a nutrition researcher. So, my advice is almost always eat more fruits, veggies, legumes & whole grains 🌱- could address a lot of problems- even this one! 😊

Trichinosis Fact Sheet: What is trichinosis? Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichinella. People can get this disease by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the parasite. Often these infected meats come from wild game, such as bear, or pork products. Who gets trichinosis? Anyone who eats raw or undercooked meat from infected animals can develop trichinosis. Most cases come from consuming undercooked wild game meat, such as bear, while some other cases come from eating pork products. The parasite is not found in domestic pigs raised in confinement, but can be found in pigs raised outdoors in close contact with wildlife and rodents. Trichinosis infection is relatively rare in the United States. How is trichinosis spread? Animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, rats, and many wild animals (including fox, wolf, and polar bear) may carry the parasite. When humans eat infected pork or wild game that has not been properly cooked, they become infected. Person-to-person spread does not occur. What are the symptoms of trichinosis and when do they appear? https://lnkd.in/ghVnHGm2.

Preventive #HealthCheck in #Poultry: A Proactive Approach to Flock #Management In poultry farming, preventive health checks are crucial for #sustaining flock health, optimizing #performance, and minimizing economic #losses. A comprehensive health program should include regular #monitoring, #biosecurity protocols, and timely interventions to maintain flock integrity and #productivity. Key Aspects of Preventive Health in Poultry: #HealthMonitoring: Regular observation of bird behavior, feed intake, growth rates, and production parameters helps in early detection of any anomalies. Implementing diagnostic screening programs for common pathogens is also essential. #VaccinationPrograms: Tailored vaccination schedules based on farm location, bird species, and prevalent diseases ensure immunity against viral and bacterial threats like Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and Avian Influenza etc. #Biosecurity: A robust biosecurity plan restricts pathogen entry into the farm. Strict control of human and vehicle traffic, hygiene practices, and pest control are fundamental to reducing infection risks. #Nutrition: A well-balanced diet supplemented with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids strengthens the immune system, reducing disease susceptibility. Special focus should be given to fortifying feed with supplements to counter stress and support liver function. #Deworming and Parasite Control: Routine deworming and control of external parasites like mites and lice are vital in preventing diseases and maintaining optimal bird health. Proactive and systematic health checks are the cornerstone of successful poultry farming, ensuring biosecurity, bird health, and higher returns. #PoultryHealth #PreventiveCare #Biosecurity #PoultryManagement #AnimalWellness #FlockProductivity