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France Declares End to Bird Flu Outbreak Amid Continued Vigilance

By
Sophi Fairman
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France has announced that it is free from highly pathogenic avian influenza after over a month without any new outbreaks. Despite this status, authorities remain vigilant due to the virus’s rapid spread across Europe.

Since early August, France recorded 12 outbreaks in commercial farms and three cases in backyard poultry. However, surveillance measures at the sites of the most recent infections were lifted last week.

Regaining bird flu-free status under international guidelines may ease trade restrictions imposed by some importing nations following outbreaks, providing potential relief to the French poultry industry.

A vaccination program for farm ducks, introduced in 2023, has been credited with aiding the control of the virus. Ducks, which are a key part of foie gras production, are particularly susceptible to bird flu. The vaccination effort is set to continue into 2025.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the virus has shown signs of spreading beyond poultry. Authorities recently reported the country’s first severe human case, linked to suspected exposure to an infected backyard flock, raising concerns about cross-species transmission.

 

NH Foods Expands U.S. Presence with Acquisition of LJD Holdings Group

By
Sophi Fairman
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NH Foods Ltd.’s U.S. subsidiary, Day-Lee Foods, has announced its agreement to acquire LJD Holdings Group, which includes LJD Holdings Inc., Mountain View Packaging LLC, and Tamarack Foods LLC.

Day-Lee Foods, known for its premium Asian-inspired entrées, single-serve meals, and appetizers, operates out of a processing facility in Southern California. Its national brands, Crazy Cuizine and Day-Lee Pride, are staples in the frozen foods market.

This acquisition aligns with NH Foods’ medium-term management plan, which focuses on expanding its global footprint, particularly in North America and ASEAN markets. The company aims to leverage its Japanese processing expertise to enhance international operations and increase production capacity. As part of this strategy, NH Foods is exploring the expansion of manufacturing facilities to accommodate growing demand.

By acquiring LJD Holdings Group, Day-Lee Foods will gain additional manufacturing capabilities in both eastern and western U.S. regions, complementing its existing facilities. LJD Holdings, with operations in Boise, Idaho, and Americus, Georgia, has an established relationship with Day-Lee Foods, making the acquisition a strategic fit to address the rising demand for frozen foods.

The agreement will see Day-Lee Foods acquire all equity interests in LJD Holdings Group. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the transaction is set to be finalized by March 31, 2025.

In a statement, NH Foods emphasized that this move is part of its “Vision 2030” management plan, aimed at evolving the company into a value-driven organization. This vision focuses on structural reforms, growth strategies, and cultural evolution over the next three years.

Sustainable agriculture: IYA equips youth with cutting-edge poultry and aquaculture skills at Radio Outreach

By
Sophi Fairman
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As the world grapples with food security challenges, young people are stepping up to take charge of agriculture’s future. In a bid to empower the next generation of agripreneurs, Radio IITA Farmers Outreach, in collaboration with the IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA), recently launched a transformative initiative aimed at training youth in poultry and aquaculture.

The maiden livestock farmers’ training brought together a diverse group of participants from Oyo and neighboring states, with virtual attendees across Nigeria. This enthusiastic turnout highlights the growing interest among young people in sustainable agriculture as a viable career path. Dajie Odok, Radio Lead, welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of supporting young farmers in meeting the demands of modern agriculture. She noted that equipping youth with the necessary skills can help transform their agricultural ventures into sustainable, thriving enterprises.

IYA Business Development Manager Osun Idowu encouraged the young farmers to see agriculture as a powerful vehicle for economic empowerment. “Youth have a unique opportunity to innovate and create value in the agricultural value chain,” he said, urging them to capitalize on the vast opportunities available in the sector.

Source: CGIAR

Gopher Control in the Post-Strychnine Era: Effective Solutions for Canadian Farmers

By
Sophi Fairman
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As Canadian farmers adapt to new pest control regulations, the end of liquid strychnine use has prompted the need for innovative, effective, and efficient gopher control strategies. Viceroy Distributors is at the forefront of this shift, offering cutting-edge solutions designed to address the unique challenges of Richardson’s ground squirrel management while reducing costs and labor for farmers.

Why Gopher Control Matters

Gophers, or Richardson’s ground squirrels, are a persistent challenge for Canadian farmers, damaging crops, pastures, and infrastructure. Effective control is critical not only to protect yields but also to maintain operational efficiency. With the discontinuation of liquid strychnine, farmers require alternative methods that are both cost-effective and practical for large-scale use.

Advantages of Zinc Phosphide-Based Products

Zinc phosphide baits, such as Burrow Oat Bait and ZP Rodent Oat Bait AG, have emerged as leading alternatives. These products offer several advantages over traditional methods:

  1. Cost-Effectiveness
    Zinc phosphide products are more economical, as they require only a single application directly into the burrow. This reduces material use and overall expenses compared to anticoagulant baits that need repeated applications.
  2. Labor Efficiency
    With a single application, farmers save significant time and labor. This is particularly beneficial for large farms, where manual labor costs for pest control can be substantial.
  3. Reduced Risk of Non-Target Poisoning
    Zinc phosphide works by converting to phosphine gas in the stomach of the targeted rodent, causing rapid organ failure. The gas dissipates quickly, leaving minimal residue and reducing the risk of secondary poisoning for non-target species.

Best Practices for Application

For optimal results, farmers should apply zinc phosphide baits between mid-March and late April. Targeting reproductive females during this window ensures a significant reduction in the next generation of gophers. Later applications may be less effective as females retreat underground after the breeding season.

Long-Term Benefits for Farmers

Viceroy Distributors understands the challenges farmers face with labor-intensive methods like shooting or trapping. By providing efficient, science-backed products, Viceroy helps farmers:

  • Protect crops and pastures with minimal effort.
  • Reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
  • Achieve better control over gopher populations with less time and resource investment.

Viceroy Distributors: Your Partner in Farm Pest Management

As the agricultural industry transitions to new gopher control strategies, Viceroy Distributors remains committed to supporting Canadian farmers with effective, affordable, and labor-saving solutions. Our team is here to provide expert guidance and reliable products tailored to your needs.

Contact Us:

  • Address: 201-1200 Sherwin Road, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0K4
  • Hours: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Phone: (204) 925-7939
  • Email: viceroy@viceroydistributors.ca
  • Website: CleanHomeSupplies.ca

For more information about our gopher control solutions, visit Viceroy Distributors.

Stay tuned for more articles on pest control and biosecurity strategies that benefit Canadian farmers.

USPOULTRY Foundation and PSA Foundation Host Co-Sponsored Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair at the 2025 IPPE

By
Sophi Fairman
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The U.S. Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation (USPOULTRY Foundation) in partnership with the Poultry Science Association Foundation (PSA Foundation) are pleased to announce the Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair which will be held during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled for Jan. 28 – 30, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. The Career Fair will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 8 – 11:30 a.m. in Room B-402 in unison with the International Poultry Scientific Forum (IPSF). This distinctive program is tailored to better support U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) member companies and allied suppliers, focusing on technology-driven sectors such as genetics, health, pharmaceuticals and nutrition. It specifically targets post-doctoral researchers, early-stage Ph.D. students and veterinary students.

USPOULTRY, through the USPOULTRY Foundation, also hosts a renowned College Student Career Program during IPPE. This program offers key opportunities, including interviews with member companies and exhibitors for summer internships and entry-level positions in the poultry production, processing and allied supplier industries. These opportunities are specifically designed for B.S. and M.S. students seeking employment. Additionally, the PSA Association provides a career program focused on academic opportunities for graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) via the PSA website. This initiative is supported by the PSA Hatchery, a graduate student organization, and the PSA Foundation. The PSA Foundation backs the program through the Giesen Internship Program for aspiring graduate students, in partnership with industry collaborators, along with endowed undergraduate scholarships and M.S. and Ph.D. fellowships funded by donors through grants and endowments.

“We are pleased to again offer the Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair at IPPE 2025 allowing companies to connect with talented individuals who can contribute to the next generation of scientific leadership. This is an excellent service that our two organizations can offer to the poultry and allied industries, especially those with needs in genetics, health, pharmaceuticals and nutrition. Moreover, this opportunity is available in one centralized location, in collaboration with the IPSF, providing a convenient benefit for both students and industry companies,” said Jarod Morrison, Farbest Foods, and USPOULTRY Foundation chair.

Each participating company will receive a table and two chairs. Companies are encouraged to bring literature, pop-up banners and/or other company information to give to prospective candidates. The deadline for companies to sign up is Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, and there is no cost to sign up. There is also no cost for students to participate.

For more information on the program and to sign up, go to https://www.ippexpo.org/education-programs/vet-student-career-fair/. For further information or inquiries, contact LaShundra Littles or Barbara Jenkins.

H5 Avian Influenza Ontario Update

By
Sophi Fairman
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On December 16, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza on an Ontario premise in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc. The infected premise has been placed under quarantine. CFIA will also be establishing specific movement control measures and permitting processes for farms within the 10km Zone.

Currently there are 84 active HPAI cases in Canadian provinces, affecting approximately 14 million birds. Details on additional premises in other provinces can be found here. HPAI has also been detected in 84poultry flocks in the United States of America in the last 30 days. Details can be found here.

With the unseasonably warmer weather we have been experiencing, wild birds continue to be on the move and we are seeing increases in wild bird die offs, increasing the potential risk of disease transmission.

Farmers are encouraged to follow heightened biosecurity measures (found here). Farmers are reminded that they should have appropriate biosecurity personal protective equipment(PPE) available for themselves, their employees and anyone entering their premise.

Reminder, if your birds show any signs of illness, call your veterinarian immediately and notify your board.

FOR FARMERS AND INDUSTRY IN BIOSECURITY ADVISORY AREA
CFIA continues to establish Primary Control Zones (PCZ), in the areas where the disease has been identified. The most up-to-date information can be found using the following links:

STAY INFORMEDFBCC is committed to providing timely communications to Ontario’s poultry industry and will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves. FBCC staff are collaborating with CFIA and OMAFRA in responding to the situation and working to support business continuity for the poultry industry. If you haven’t already done so, please visit the FBCC website and sign up for Disease Alerts.

Any updates will be issued through www.fbcc.ca.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Nebraska Poultry

By
Sophi Fairman
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The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detected two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks in Nebraska. These cases represent the fourth and fifth cases of HPAI in Nebraska poultry in 2024.

Case 4 was detected in a small backyard chicken flock in Sarpy County.  Case 5 was detected in a large backyard mixed flock in Lancaster County.

Cases of HPAI in Nebraska in 2024
Case 1 – Gage County, February 2024
Case 2 – Nemaha County, December 2024
Case 3 – Dodge County, December 2024
Case 4 – Sarpy County, December 2024
Case 5 – Lancaster County, December 2024

About HPAI
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as infected food, water, and manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds during migratory season, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick and die.

Clinical Signs of HPAI in Birds
Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

Resources are available for poultry producers at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/, and from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza. Poultry experiencing signs of HPAI or unusual death should be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Applied research note: Optimized corticosterone extraction following feather dissolution by keratinase

By
Sophi Fairman
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There is a need for robust, non-invasive and simple methods to objectively assess the quality of routine animal cares of commercial poultry flocks as a component of sustainable and ethical animal production practices (Castro et al., 2023; Siegel, 1995). Corticosterone (CORT) is an endogenous glucocorticoid produced in the adrenal glands and serves as the stress hormone in birds (Scanes, 2016). Corticosterone alters metabolic pathways and behavioral responses, redirecting energy reserves to cope with both short- and long-term stressors (Scanes, 2016). Blood, feces, and feathers have been used as sampling sites for CORT concentration measurements (Siegel, 1995, Scanes, 2016). First used by wildlife biologists (Siegel, 1995), feathers are an attractive sample source due to their ease of collection, analyte stability within the feather during room temperature storage (Bortolotti et al., 2008), and ability to reflect CORT concentration over the period of feather growth. The simplicity and non-invasive nature of sampling as well as the ability to collect casual samples as opposed to blood sampling made during complex welfare assessment scenarios further emphasizes the desirability of validating reliable methodology to support use of feather CORTs as part of welfare assessments.
A methanol extraction-based feather CORT assay protocol was originally developed and published by Bortolotti et al., for use with RIA and subsequently adapted and validated for ELISA assay by Carbajal et al. (Bortolotti et al., 2008; Carbajal et al., 2014). These publications reported technical coefficients of variations of 15.7 % using RIA and 17.2 % using ELISA (Bortolotti et al., 2008; Carbajal et al., 2014). In 2019, Alba et al. introduced the use of keratinase to digest the feathers before solid-phase extraction (SPE) of CORT and its subsequent quantification by RIA assay with reported variations of less than 5 % (Alba et al., 2019). In our hands, the method of Bortolotti et al. used in conjunction with a different ELISA assay than was used by Carbajal et al. produced unacceptable average variation of 93 %. Similarly, use of this same ELISA kit to analyze feather CORT extracts obtained using Alba’s protocol generated average variances of 33 % for technical replicates. It was not immediately obvious why the variance was so high as that assay routinely provided standard curves with r2 of 0.999; the unexpected variability prompted the current method improvement study.
A series of studies using a common pooled-feather sample was used to evaluate sample extraction and solubilization steps as likely sources of excess variation. Reduction in the variability of technical replicates when assayed using a validated ELISA CORT assay served to indicate protocol improvement. Subsequently, the improved protocol, which reduced average variation of technical replicates to 2.5 – 7.2 %, was used to determine the variability and evaluate potential correlation of plasma and feather CORT concentrations in different chicken strains as component of a larger data set from a separate study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All chemicals were reagent grade or better and obtained from VWR International.

ANIMAL METHODS

Ethical Statement

The experiments on all birds were conducted in accordance with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC # 2023-0062) of Texas A&M University and in compliance with its Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC # 2022-061).

Experiment 1: Three Protocol Comparison

A unified feather pool (UFP) was created using equal amounts of finely chopped and well mixed rachis and vanes from the feathers from 10 Hyline W-36 hens, randomly selected from the Texas A&M fertile hen flock. Hens, approximately 60 ± 2 weeks old, were housed in an open-sided house that provided 1.50 m2/hen; breeder recommended 1.24 m2/hen. Feathers were collected during early September when temperatures averaged 29 °C (85 °F). All birds were provided free access to a nutritionally adequate corn/soy-based layer diet.

Experiment 2: Plasma and Feather Corticosterone from Hyline W-36 Pullets and Two Strains of Parent Stock Broiler Pullets

Feathers were harvested from 16-week-old pullets of three different breeds, (n = 15 per breed). All pullets were housed in floor pens that provided 0.093 m2/pullet. At this age, recommended pullet stocking densities were 0.031 m2, 0.125 m2, and 0.10 m2/bird for W-36, broiler parent stock pullets of Breed 1 and Breed 2, respectively. All birds had free access to water. Hyline W36 pullets had free access to a nutritionally adequate corn soy grower-type diet, while breeder pullets were fed amounts of the same diet to meet breeder bodyweight recommendations using a skip-a-day protocol. At the time of feather collection, breeder pullets had been fed using a skip-a-day protocol for 12 weeks. Fifteen birds from each breed were sampled 24 hours after feed removal. Feathers were collected immediately before euthanasia via CO2 asphyxiation, and subsequent collection of blood by cardiac puncture. Feathers from this experiment were extracted using the optimized keratinase protocol (OKP) described below.

SAMPLING METHODS

Feather Collection and Processing

Feathers were collected by cutting all primary and secondary feathers from the right wing approximately 0.635 cm (0.25 inches) from the point of attachment. Primary wing feathers were used for analysis. Cut feathers were stored in plastic bags at room temperature until analyzed. Harvested feathers were initially processed by a common protocol to remove external contaminants (Häffelin et al., 2020). The calamus of individual feathers was removed prior to coarsely chopping the vane and rachis in a glass holding vessel. Coarsely chopped samples were then finely chopped using a razor blade to increase the surface area available for extraction and uniformly distribute pieces. Reproducibility studies used the UFP and were conducted in parallel using both the methanol (Bortolotti et al., 2008) and keratinase (Alba et al., 2019) extraction protocols. In experiment 2, feathers from individual birds were harvested and initially processed using the common protocol prior to extraction and sample preparation using OKP.

Blood Collection

Cardiac blood samples were collected and stored in heparin containing tubes (Vacutainer) immediately post euthanasia. The blood was then centrifuged at 2,000 x G for 15 min, after which the plasma was removed, labeled, and stored at -80°C prior to analysis. At the time of extraction samples were thawed on ice. Plasma samples were combined with CORT ELISA kit (K014-H1/K014-H5, Arbor Assays) dissociation reagent and assay buffer to create 1:100 dilution of sample prior to assay.

EXTRACTION METHODS

Extraction Protocols

The UFP was divided into 30 equal replicates, with 10 replicates allocated to the methanol protocol (MP), 10 to the keratinase protocol (KP), and 10 to the OKP.
The MP extraction procedure followed published methods (Bortolotti et al., 2008). Briefly, samples were placed into glass vials containing 10 ml of HPLC grade methanol and sonicated in a water bath for 30 min (Bortolotti et al., 2008). After sonication, the feather mince was incubated overnight in a shaking water bath at 50 °C (Bortolotti et al., 2008). The following day, the feather mince in methanol was filtered with vacuum filtration (Whatman, #4) into new glass tubes, and any remaining mince remnants and original vials were rinsed with 2-5 ml of HPLC grade methanol (Bortolotti et al., 2008). The filtered samples were concentrated by evaporation using vacuum centrifugation at 40 °C and 1200 rpm (Jouan RC 10-10).
KP was performed as published (Alba et al., 2019). The digestion medium was prepared with a ratio of 1 gram of keratinase (Cibenza: IND900, Novus) per 30 mL of phosphate buffered saline at a pH of 9 (Alba et al., 2019). A ratio of 2 mg of feather mince per mL of digestion medium was used with 5 mL volumes for digestion. Extraction tubes were capped and incubated at 45 °C, and digestion progress monitored over the next 5 days. On day 5, when samples had liquefied into a slurry with slight particulates, extracts were subjected to SPE (C-18 Bond Elute, Varian) (Alba et al., 2019). Solid-phase extraction cartridges were conditioned with 1 mL of methanol and water. The total feather extracts, including solid and aqueous components, were then loaded into sterile syringes, and passed through attached 25 mm, 0.45 µm syringe filters into extraction cartridges. Samples were eluted with two 0.5 mL washes of 2 % acetic acid in acetone into glass tubes. The original KP method took samples to complete dryness via heat and vacuum-based centrifugal evaporation (40 °C and 1200 rpm), respectively. At dryness a waxy adherent material remained in the sample tubes.
The OKP was performed identically to KP except for the drying step. For the OKP, SPE was followed by heat and vacuum-based centrifugal evaporation (40 °C and 1200 rpm), respectively, that was stopped when a 5-10 µL convex droplet of extract remained. The droplet was then utilized for analysis by ELISA by combination with 1X assay buffer from the kit to a final volume of 500 µL.

Optimized Protocol Validation

To ensure results of the OKP were accurate representations of actual feather CORT concentrations a spike and recovery test was conducted using UFP as the sample. Prior to start of enzymatic digestion sufficient CORT standard (Corticosterone ELISA Standard, Cayman Chemicals) was added to UFP to create a sample set that contained 4 replicates of the 5 most central points of the standard curve for the chosen ELISA assay kit, namely 0.3125 pg CORT/mg feather, 0.625 pg CORT/mg feather, 1.25 pg CORT/mg feather, 2.5 pg CORT/mg feather and 5 pg CORT/mg feather. The four replicate preparations were assayed in duplicate for each concentration to create 4 averaged values at each concentration. Four replicates of a blank, un-spiked, UFP sample were included to establish basal UFP CORT concentration. All feather/keratinase solution tubes contained a 2 mg feather per 1 mL of keratinase digestion solution with 5 mL used for each digestion. Enzymatic digests used the OKP extraction protocol in which extracts were taken to incomplete dryness, and the resultant 5-10 µL extract droplet was resuspended to a total volume of 500 µL in 1 X assay buffer provided within the manufacturer’s kit and used for ELISA assay. After ELISA analysis, the average CORT concentration of the unspiked UFP sample was subtracted from each spiked sample and measured concentrations were calculated against theoretical yield to determine percent return.

Corticosterone Concentration Quantification

Corticosterone determinations, regardless of the extraction method, were made using the K014-H1/K014-H5 CORT ELISA kit from Arbor Assays. Assay plates were read using a Synergy H1 Microplate reader at the manufacturer’s specified wavelength of 450 nm.

Statistical Analysis

Values are expressed as means ± SEM. Mean comparisons used Student’s T-test. Simple correlation was used to assess the relationship between plasma and feather CORT. Observed differences were considered significant at p <0.05. Assay validity was assessed using a spike/recovery analysis in which the amount spiked was correlated to the amount detected by the assay following subtraction of the baseline amount detected in the UFP test matrix. All statistical analysis has been completed using JMP version 17.1.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Three Protocol Comparison

Evaporated extracts prepared using MP were white, brown, yellow, or some combination thereof, while evaporated KP had a more consistent translucent amber appearance. Further, the appearance of a properly evaporated OKP extract was that of a clear to faintly yellow glossy droplet. Resuspension of dried extracts proved another source of variation. It was discovered that sample resuspension in kit buffer required the addition of ≤ 5 % organic solvent to fully solubilize the sample for antibody binding. The 5-10 µL of remaining 2 % acetic acid in acetone recovered from the evaporation step in OKP proved to serve as such an organic solvent.
Each extraction protocol was evaluated using 10 replicates assayed in duplicate. The MP and OKP each possessed two samples that were omitted due to errors in processing and thus resulted in an n = 8. The MP found the UFP to contain 5.40 ± 3.93 pg CORT/mg feather and an intra assay CV of 61 %. The KP found the UFP to contain 4.10 ± 1.35 pg CORT/mg feather and an intra assay CV of 33 %. The OKP found the UFP to contain 1.42 ± 0.075 pg CORT/mg feather and an intra assay CV of 5.4 %. The reduction in variation was significant both for KP and OKP when compared to MP (Bartlett, p = 0.0054 and p < 0.0001, respectively).
The substantially lower feather CORT concentration found using OKP compared to MP or KP was validated using a spike/recovery analysis. Fig. 1 shows the recovery of the CORT spikes from UFP samples extracted using OKP. The average recovery was found to be ≥ 90 % and the recovery response was linear, y= 0.97x + 36.8, with an R2 = 0.97, p = 0.002. it is unknown why the MP and KP extraction methods resulted in overestimates of feather CORT. Common causes for ELISA assay overestimates include inadequate washing, overly long incubation times, contamination due to improper plate sealing, or edge effects such as uneven incubation temperature. We do not believe that contamination or edge effects occurred as systematic errors such as these would have also occurred with the OKP assay method. We found no reports that the kit used in this study had been used with feathers extracted using MP or KP and perhaps additional washing or shorter incubation times could reduce observed overestimates although these protocol modifications were not attempted.
Fig 1

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Fig. 1. Optimized Keratinase Protocol Recovery Test. Mean pg CORT/mg feather for n = 4 averaged values for duplicated replicates per target concentration of 5 pg CORT/mg feather, 2.5 pg CORT/mg feather, 1.25 pg CORT/mg feather, 0.625 pg CORT/mg feather, & 0.3125 pg CORT/mg feather.

Plasma and Feather Corticosterone from Hyline W-36 Pullets and Two Strains of Parent Stock Broiler Pullets

The CORT concentrations of plasma and feather OKP extracts from Experiment 2 are displayed in Fig. 2. Mean values and CVs of each sample group are given in the legend of Fig. 2 along with sample value ranges for plasma and feathers. The average CV of the three plasma samples groups was 22.43 % ± 2.28, some 3-fold higher than the 6.97 % ± 0.12 CV of the three feather sample groups (p < 0.02). Average intra-assay CVs for each sample group were derived from averaged duplicates of the 15 individual samples used in each test group. No significant correlations could be drawn between plasma and feather CORT concentrations in any group.
Fig 2

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Fig. 2. Plasma and Feather Corticosterone Concentrations. All plasma and feather values are based on 15 duplicated replicates per test group for Breed 1 = layer strain and Breeds 2 & 3 = broiler breeder strains. Mean plasma CORT, shown in solid bars, was 4.9, 8.2 and 7.8 pg CORT / µL plasma, for Breeds 1, 2, & 3, respectively. Mean feather CORT, shown in striped bars, were 2.9, 2.5 & 2.6 pg CORT/mg feather for Breeds 1, 2, & 3, respectively. The coefficient of variation (CV) for plasma CORT was 18.2 %, 26.0 % and 23.1 % for Breeds 1, 2, & 3, respectively. Sample values ranged from 7: 4.9 – 8.2 pg CORT/µl plasma. The CVs for feather CORT were 7.2 %, 6.8 % and 6.9 % for Breeds 1, 2, & 3, respectively Sample values ranged from 2.5 – 2.9 pg CORT/mg feather.

Optimized Keratinase Protocol: Comparing Feather to Plasma Corticosterone values

The OKP was used to assay feather CORT concentrations in three different chicken strains and the same ELISA kit used to measure plasma CORT of these same birds per manufacturer’s instructions. Variability in plasma CORT concentration was greater than that of feather CORT concentration supporting the perspective that the invasive sampling required for plasma determination is a source of sample variability (Chloupek et al., 2011) and that the relatively non-invasive method of feather sampling used in this study provided a more reliable indicator of long-term stress (Romero and Fairhurst, 2016). Differences were observed among the different breeds and ages of birds that likely reflect genetic and/or developmental differences. The validated assay provides the means to more precisely study such variables and may support more specific “normal” range values for different types or ages of birds. For example, while samples were not collected as part of a longitudinal study and so cannot be statistically compared in this report, feather CORT concentrations of 60 wk old W-36 hens (1.42 pg CORT/mg feather) was lower compared to 16 wk old pullets of the same strain (2.9 pg CORT/mg feather)

Present Issues and Future Directions

The availability of a validated feather CORT assay with optimized extraction conditions allows for studies specifically designed to assess genetic, developmental and environmental variables that influence bird stress. Our initial efforts to measure feather CORT showed unacceptable sample variation when a UFP was extracted using MP. Variation was reduced with KP but remained unacceptable despite consistently obtaining standard curves that possessed R2 = 0.999 for the ELISA kit used here. All extraction protocols met manufacturer’s stated sample requirements and resultant values were resemblant of those reported by Carbajal’s for feathers in broilers via ELISA (Carbajal et al., 2014) and supported a conclusion that the assay itself was an unlikely source of sample variation. We determined that the variation stemmed from a combination of extraction method and sample resuspension. Using the validated OKP method, feather CORT differed among different strains of birds, and differences appeared to be influenced by bird developmental stage, albeit the study was not designed to rigorously test for either genetic or developmental variables. However, now that a result can be acquired consistently with low variation within and between tests properly designed studies to test such variables can be undertaken and could result in the definition of values of normal/acceptable stress using feather CORT as an index. Future studies would thus need to work toward defining “normal” ranges for each strain and species of clinically normal/healthy poultry of interest. Additionally, it would be of interest to determine whether the OKP reduced variability of measurements when other commercial CORT ELISA or RIA kits are used.
The primary objectives of our study were twofold. First, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of feather CORT extraction protocols and test modifications with the aim of reducing the sample variation encountered with initial trials using MP as the extraction protocol. The secondary aim was to explore any relationships between feather CORT and plasma CORT in three commercially relevant poultry strains. The modifications resulting in OKP produced significant reductions in assay variability in all feather types tested. Lack of correlation between plasma and feather CORT is not unexpected for while spikes in plasma CORT over time are believed responsible for elevated feather CORT concentrations, the short half-life of plasma CORT suggests that a complex relationship exists between these two pools. Overall, our findings suggest that feather CORT concentrations can be reliably analyzed and provide a useful tool in assessing poultry welfare.

DISCLOSURES

Data presented as a poster at the 2024 American Association of Avian Pathologists meeting (pg 75).

FSIS Announces Stronger Measures to Protect the Public from Listeria monocytogenes

By
Sophi Fairman
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced several new steps to strengthen the agency’s oversight of food processing facilities it regulates (meat, poultry and egg products) and ensure safe food. These steps reflect the agency’s continual effort to protect public health through science-based regulation, strong enforcement, and advancement of its prevention-first approach to eliminating foodborne illness.

Over the past several months, Listeria monocytogenes has been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks and large-scale recalls of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, causing the agency to review its processes closely. While the agency’s review continues, FSIS is announcing a number of improvements and initiatives that can be implemented quickly. The agency will share more information about additional actions that may be needed after further review and stakeholder engagement.

“As a science-based regulatory agency, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is constantly looking at ways we can and should evolve our processes to protect the public, maintain confidence in America’s food supply, and prevent foodborne illness,” said Dr. Emilio Esteban, USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety. “These steps are common sense improvements to our work that will strengthen our food safety net as we continue improving the agency’s work to align with the best available science and practices.”

The changes FSIS is announcing today fall into three categories: enhancing its science-based approach to mitigate foodborne pathogens, with a key focus on Listeria monocytogenes; improving training and tools for its inspection workforce; and evolving its oversight of regulated facilities, with an emphasis on data review and state inspection agreements.

FSIS will initiate the following changes in the next 30 days:

Enhancing FSIS’ Regulatory and Sampling Approach to Listeria 

  • Effective January 2025, FSIS will add broader Listeria species testing to all samples of ready-to-eat product, environmental and food contact surfaces. FSIS laboratories currently test these samples for Listeria monocytogenes, which is the specific type of Listeria species that causes illness. However, adding additional species testing to the agency’s regulatory framework will help provide more information about the effectiveness of a facility’s sanitation program and can signal to FSIS if follow up is needed (for example, a Food Safety Assessment, intensified sampling, or enforcement actions).
  • FSIS will leverage the expertise of its National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF). NACMCF is a federal advisory committee that provides scientific advice and recommendations to USDA and other government agencies on microbiological and public health issues. In December, FSIS will begin recruitment for new committee members, who will be given the specific charge of reviewing the agency’s regulatory approach to Listeria monocytogenes. Expertise in Listeria will be sought for membership. The committee’s input will be used to guide more long-term policy changes.

Equipping FSIS Inspectors with Updated Training and Tools to Recognize and Respond to Systemic Food Safety Issues

  • FSIS will update its instructions and training for food safety inspectors to better equip the workforce to recognize and highlight systemic problems in a standardized way. Agency inspectors will receive updated instructions and training, and FSIS field supervisors will routinely review these instructions with inspectors to ensure full understanding and appropriate application. Inspectors will also receive supplemental Listeria monocytogenes control training designed to help strengthen inspectors’ understanding of the regulatory requirements in FSIS’ Listeria Rule and how to verify establishments have designed and implemented food safety systems that comply with those requirements.
  • FSIS will conduct Food Safety Assessments (in-depth food safety reviews) at ready-to-eat meat and poultry facilities. In FY 2025, FSIS is prioritizing completion of Food Safety Assessments at ready-to-eat meat and poultry facilities that rely exclusively on sanitation measures to control for Listeria. These reviews will provide information about the plants individually and collectively and could inform future policy or process changes to target this microorganism.
  • FSIS field supervisors will conduct in-person, follow-up visits when systemic issues are identified during a Food Safety Assessment. Follow-up visits by FSIS field supervisors will bolster oversight from more senior inspection staff to ensure a facility fully addresses issues identified during a Food Safety Assessment and could inform enforcement action by FSIS. Field supervisors will work with inspectors to ensure the facility stays in compliance.

Tightening Oversight of Regulated Establishments, Including Those Under State Inspection Models

  • FSIS inspectors will verify specific Listeria monocytogenes-related risk factors at ready-to-eat facilities weekly. These risk factors include changes in physical plant modifications, such as new construction; indicators of sanitation problems, such as condensation, roof leaks, damaged equipment, or cracked floors; and Listeria species or Listeria monocytogenes positive test results from company testing. FSIS district offices, agency field supervisors and inspectors will review, analyze and consider the weekly data from each facility to determine if there are systemic issues that warrant further action, such as a Food Safety Assessment, intensified sampling, or enforcement steps.
  • FSIS will clarify state and Federal requirements for consistent oversight of Talmadge-Aiken (TA) programs through updated cooperative agreements and instructions. Through updated cooperative agreements with each participating state, FSIS will set specific requirements, including clear expectations for oversight, enforcing federal food safety laws, comprehensive federal training for TA inspectors, and enhanced regular coordination with FSIS. FSIS will also designate field and headquarters positions assigned to TA oversight; will clarify training requirements and criteria to start, maintain and terminate state inspection coverage of an establishment.
  • FSIS will revise establishment-review alert triggers. One significant criterion used to guide a district office’s decision to conduct a Public Health Risk Evaluation (PHRE), which typically precedes a Food Safety Assessment, is a monthly list of facilities with higher rates of noncompliance related to public health that is generated using an algorithm. Using additional data from the new weekly verification of Listeria monocytogenes-related risk factors, FSIS intends to update its algorithm and triggers to better identify high-risk facilities.

These actions are intended to strengthen FSIS’ inspection and oversight by enhancing its ability to proactively identify and respond to the types of systemic problems that could lead to outbreaks. Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen of particular concern because it can be especially harmful to people with compromised immune systems, like the elderly and pregnant women, and it can contaminate foods that are not cooked before consumption.

FSIS is continuing to identify other steps that would improve control of Listeria monocytogenes, dependent on funding availability. As requested in the FY 2025 President’s Budget, additional resources are necessary for the agency to continue to meet its mission to keep meat, poultry, and egg products safe and wholesome.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has made several improvements to food safety oversight and to enhance the accurate and transparent labeling of meat, poultry and other products the agency regulates. Notably, through its Salmonella framework, USDA has proposed a comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products, which have remained stubbornly high despite consistent reductions of Salmonella in these foods.

FSIS has also issued new guidance to provide more transparency around animal raising claims like “no antibiotics ever” and “pasture-raised.” In March 2024, USDA finalized a regulation that only permits the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” claim to be applied to those FSIS-regulated meat and poultry products that are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States, which better aligns with consumer understanding of what the label means.

As USDA’s public health regulatory agency, FSIS is responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products, and thereby reducing foodborne illness linked to FSIS-regulated products. More information about FSIS’ work to keep consumers safe can be found in the agency’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Learn more at www.fsis.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USPOULTRY Foundation Sponsors National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, Highlighting Youth Excellence and Career Opportunities in the Poultry Industry

By
Sophi Fairman
-

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Harold E. Ford Foundation (USPOULTRY Foundation) was pleased to once again sponsor the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville. The Conference recognizes 4-H members who have excelled in their states in poultry learning experience activities. The activities and contests are designed to introduce participants to poultry and the poultry industry. Life skills are learned through preparation for the various contests. Participants are also made aware of careers in poultry and allied industries.

The conference brought together 152 4-H’ers from 26 states, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about poultry. Participants engaged in various events designed to enhance their decision-making, public speaking and poultry-related skills. The conference featured five competitive events: poultry judging, chicken barbecuing, turkey barbecuing, an egg chef challenge, and the Avian Bowl—an exciting game of poultry and egg trivia. Additionally, industry leaders from the poultry and egg sectors led a Poultry Careers workshop, providing attendees with valuable insights into career and educational opportunities within the industry.

The team from Texas, coached by Jeremy Lee, finished as the top overall team. Trent Ellebracht, from Texas, was named as the top overall individual. Barbara Jenkins, vice president of education and student programs for USPOULTRY and executive director of the USPOULTRY Foundation, presented the awards.

Through 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation reasserts its commitment to student outreach programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders in poultry careers. As a long-time sponsor, the USPOULTRY Foundation is dedicated to supporting these talented young people and recognize that they represent the future of the poultry industry.

“Our mission is to inspire these young people to pursue careers in the poultry and egg industries, as they are the future leaders, scientists, decision-makers and more. Through 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation reaffirms its ongoing commitment to student outreach programs that encourage the next generation of poultry professionals. As a long-time sponsor of both 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation remains dedicated to supporting these talented individuals,” said Jenkins.

Source: US Poultry & Egg Association

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