Dr. Belchiolina Beatriz Fonseca Receives Novus International Latin America Teaching Award for Excellence in Poultry Science Education

Poultry News

October 22, 2024

The Poultry Science Association (PSA) announces that Dr. Belchiolina Beatriz Fonseca, professor at the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, is the recipient of the inaugural Novus International Latin America Teaching Award. This award honors outstanding teaching contributions at a Latin American university that advance the future welfare of the poultry industry.

Dr. Fonseca demonstrated an exceptional commitment to education and research in poultry production and health. She holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Sciences and a Ph.D. in Applied Immunology and Parasitology. Her academic journey included a postdoctoral focus on biotechnology in human and animal health, along with specialized training on Campylobacter spp. and next-generation probiotics.

Currently, Dr. Fonseca teaches in the areas of poultry diseases and production at the Federal University of Uberlândia, contributing to several postgraduate programs, including Veterinary Sciences and Genetics and Biochemistry. She is also conducting research with the National Institute of Science and Technology in Theranostics, focusing on the host-pathogen relationship in poultry and developing sustainable alternatives to antimicrobials, such as probiotics.

Further indication of her excellence in teaching came during the Student Awards program at the Poultry Science Association Latin American Scientific Conference, when three of Dr. Fonseca’s students were honored with Certificates of Excellence for their outstanding scientific presentations during the Conference.

PSA and Novus International commend Dr. Fonseca’s remarkable contributions to advancing poultry science education and research. Her dedication to fostering future industry professionals and driving scientific progress embodies the spirit of the award and the vital role of education in shaping the future of poultry science.

For more information about this award, please visit https://www.poultryscience.org/about/awards.

England poultry farmers must report nitrogen and phosphorus excretion levels

Poultry News

Sophi Fairman

October 22, 2024

In recent years, sustainability in agriculture has become a focal point for policymakers and industry leaders. In England, one critical aspect of this push towards sustainable farming practices is the introduction of regulations that require poultry farmers to report nitrogen and phosphorus excretion levels. These new measures aim to mitigate the environmental impact of poultry farming,which, while essential for the economy and food supply, is also a significant source of nutrient pollution.

Understanding the issue

Nitrogen and phosphorus are vital nutrients for plant growth, and they are commonly used in fertilizers. However, when these nutrients are excreted by poultry and other livestock, they can accumulate in the environment, particularly in water bodies. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to eutrophication, a process that causes excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, leading to oxygen depletion and the death of fish and other aquatic life. This not only disrupts ecosystems but also poses risks to human health and recreational water uses.

Regulatory framework

The Environment Agency in England has introduced mandatory reporting requirements for poultry farmers to address this issue. Under these regulations, farmers must accurately measure and report the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus excreted by their flocks. This information is then used to assess the environmental impact of their farming practices and to develop strategies for nutrient management.

Implementation and compliance

For poultry farmers, complying with these regulations involves adopting new management practices and technologies. Many farmers have started using precision farming techniques, such as nutrient management plans and advanced waste treatment systems, to reduce nutrient excretion levels. Additionally, some are implementing dietary modifications for their flocks, incorporating feed additives that can enhance nutrient absorption and reduce waste.

Benefits and challenges

The benefits of these regulations are manifold. By reducing nutrient pollution, the health of water bodies and the broader environment can be improved. This, in turn, supports biodiversity and reduces the risk of harmful algal blooms. Furthermore, sustainable farming practices can enhance the reputation of the poultry industry and build consumer trust.

However, there are challenges as well. Farmers may face increased costs associated with monitoring and reporting excretion levels and implementing new technologies and practices. There is also a need for education and support to ensure farmers understand and can effectively comply with the new regulations.

Conclusion

As the agricultural sector in England moves towards greater sustainability, the requirement for poultry farmers to report nitrogen and phosphorus excretion levels marks a significant step forward. While challenges remain, the long-term benefits for the environment and public health are clear. By embracing these changes, poultry farmers can play a crucial role in protecting the environment while ensuring the continued success of their industry.

Source: avinews.com

Washington reports 4 suspected H5 avian flu infections in poultry workers

Poultry News

Sophi Fairman

October 22, 2024

The Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) yesterday reported its first suspected avian flu infections in people, which involve four agricultural workers who tested positive after working with infected poultry at an egg-laying farm in Franklin County.

Elsewhere, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on October18 reported 2 more confirmed H5 infections in people who were exposed to sick dairy cattle, raising the state’s total to 13.

Washington braces for more possible cases

The workers in Washington were at a facility where about 800,000 birds were culled after testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture on October 15 showed the poultry were positive for avian flu. Franklin County is in the southeastern part of the state. The results in poultry have been confirmed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

The spurt of infections in poultry workers is reminiscent of what Colorado experienced over the summer, when nine infections were reported in cullers who were part of the response outbreaks on large commercial farms.

The WSDH said the Benton-Franklin Health District conducted health checks of exposed workers and coordinated testing at the Washington State Public Health Lab. Samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for final confirmation.

Similar to earlier infections in US poultry and dairy farm workers, the Washington patients had mild symptoms and have been provided with antiviral medication. The WSDH said test results on other farm workers are pending and that case numbers could change.

The Benton-Franklin Health District is asking any employees or contractors who may have worked on a Benton or Franklin county poultry farm since October 7 to contact the health department if they have symptoms such as conjunctivitis or respiratory infection.

Meanwhile, the USDA confirmed a second highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak in Washington poultry, which appears to involve a backyard facility that has 60 birds.

The Washington and California cases, if confirmed, would push the national total this year to 31 human cases, all but 1 linked to contact with infected poultry or cattle.

Large California broiler farm, more dairy farms hit

Amid an uptick in H5N1 detections in dairy cows and poultry, the USDA has confirmed an outbreak at a broiler farm in the same Central Valley area that has been hit hard by outbreaks in dairy cows. The virus was detected at a broiler facility in Tulare County that has 786,600 birds.

Also, the USDA has confirmed the virus in 7 more California dairy herds, raising the state’s total to 131 and the national total of confirmed outbreaks to 331 across 14 states.

Source: University of Minnesota – CIDRAP

Insights from Georgia’s No 1 agriculture industry: Poultry

Poultry TV

Sophi Fairman

October 21, 2024

We chatted with Todd Applegate, Department Head and R. Harold and Patsy Harrison Chair in Poultry Science. From reducing the environmental impacts of poultry to improving welfare during poultry transport, debunking poultry misconceptions to explaining current egg prices—plus a few chicken jokes thrown in for good measure—listen in to learn how the UGA Department of Poultry Science is a leader in the global poultry industry.

Rising Campylobacter Infections From Poultry May Lead to Increasing AMR in U.S., Study Suggests

Health & Disease
Research

Sophi Fairman

October 21, 2024

A recent study combining genomic data and machine learning has attributed the majority of U.S. campylobacteriosis cases to poultry, and found that chicken is an increasing source of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter in human infections.

Published in Journal of Infection, the study included genomic data for 8,856 C. jejuni and C. coli isolates from confirmed human clinical cases, collected by national and state laboratories between 2009 and 2019. The clinical data was contextualized against Campylobacter data gathered by national surveillance programs that sampled livestock and fecal matter at slaughter, animal food products and processing facilities, and poultry products at retail. The dataset was further supplemented by a previously published global collection of genomes from wild birds and environmental isolates.

Source attribution models and machine learning were applied to the genomic data to predict the most likely source for each human campylobacterosis cases. Nucleotide sequences for all genomes were also screened for the presence of known antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants.

Of the 8,856 isolates collected and sequenced from confirmed human campylobacteriosis cases between 2009–2019, 92 percent (8,160) were represented by C. jejuni, and the remaining 8 percent (696) were C. coli. Additionally, 16,703 isolates were collected and sequenced in national surveillance programs from possible Campylobacter infection sources (livestock, fecal, and product at processing and retail), 61 percent (10,146) of which were C. jejuni and 39 percent (6,557) of which were C. coli.

Comparison of clinical and source isolates linked the majority (68.1 percent) of human campylobacteriosis cases to chicken sources, followed by cattle sources (27.9 percent). Although only a small portion of overall human campylobacteriosis cases were attributable to pork sources, when looking only at C. coli infections, pork was responsible for 17.1 percent of cases.

The researchers also noted a steep increase in campylobacteriosis cases attributable to poultry sources—infections linked to poultry rose from 22.8 percent in 2009 to 71 percent in 2018.

Concerningly, the proportion of multidrug-resistant isolates rose from 12.3 percent in 2009 to 22.3 percent in 2018. This increase was specifically driven by a rise in fluroquinolone resistance in isolates that infect humans. Additionally, isolates belonging to poultry-associated lineages harbored the most AMR elements.

Therefore, the researchers caution that increasing campylobacteriosis cases attributed to poultry could increase AMR in human infections. The association of AMR with C. jejuni and C. coli isolates from poultry suggests that even in high-income countries such as the U.S., where AMR is perceived to be more stable, reducing infection from poultry will have a major impact in AMR mitigation.

Source: Food Safety Magazine

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Announces CEO Retirement and Successor Appointment

Poultry News

Sophi Fairman

October 21, 2024

Wayne-Sanderson Farms today announced that Clint Rivers will be retiring from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer at the end of the company’s fiscal year on March 31, 2025. He will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board for Wayne-Sanderson Farms for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year. Chief Operating Officer Kevin McDaniel has been named as successor, and will assume the role on April 1, 2025.

Rivers’ retirement follows a highly successful tenure marked by strategic leadership that has played a crucial role in positioning Wayne-Sanderson Farms as the third-largest poultry producer in the nation, following the merger of Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms in 2022. He first joined the company in 2012 as Vice President and General Manager of the Fresh Business Unit. Rivers was named Chief Operating Officer in 2014, President and Chief Executive Officer in 2017, and Chairman of the Board in 2018.

“I am deeply grateful for the incredible journey I have had with Wayne-Sanderson Farms, and it has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together over the last 12 years,” said Rivers. “While I am retiring from my role as President and Chief Executive Officer, I am excited to continue serving on the Board of Directors and supporting the company’s continued success.”

In a seamless transition, Kevin McDaniel, current Chief Operating Officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, will be named President and Chief Executive Officer. McDaniel served the company as Senior Director of Fresh Operations and as Vice President and General Manager of the Fresh Business Unit, before being promoted to his current role in early 2021. With over three decades of industry experience, he previously served as President of Aviagen North America, held senior roles with OK Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for both the National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

“Having worked closely with Kevin over the last several years, I am confident that he is the perfect choice to lead Wayne-Sanderson Farms into this next chapter. He brings a wealth of experience and vision to the role, and I look forward to supporting him through this transition,” said Rivers.

“I am honored that the board has selected me to succeed Clint as President and Chief Executive Officer, and want to thank him for his years of outstanding service to Wayne-Sanderson Farms,” said McDaniel. “I am excited for the bright future ahead for our organization, as we strive to achieve our vision of being the amazing poultry company, recognized as the partner of choice by our customers, coworkers, farmers and communities.”

About Wayne-Sanderson Farms®

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an industry leader and the nation’s third-largest poultry producer, serving customers, consumers and communities with integrity, leadership and responsible farm, workplace and business practices. With a diverse portfolio of products, a strong operating culture, and an industry-leading workforce of more than 26,000 people, Wayne-Sanderson Farms owns and operates 23 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Wayne-Sanderson Farms produces affordable, high-quality poultry products for retail, foodservice, restaurant, industrial and institutional segments under the brand names of WAYNE FARMS® fresh and prepared chicken; SANDERSON FARMS® fresh chicken; COVINGTON FARMS® fresh and frozen chicken; PLATINUM HARVEST® premium fresh chicken; CHEF’S CRAFT® gourmet chicken; and NAKED TRUTH® premium chicken. For more information visit our website at http://www.waynesandersonfarms.com.

All in One Basket – 10.18.24

Podcasts

Sophi Fairman

October 21, 2024

This is a USPOULTRY podcast highlighting news and events affecting our membership and the feather industry.

Safeguarding Poultry Health: Insights from USPOULTRY’s 2024 Live Production, Welfare and Biosecurity Seminar

Poultry News

Sophi Fairman

October 18, 2024

At the forefront of poultry production, USPOULTRY’s 2024 Live Production, Welfare and Biosecurity Seminar tackled critical challenges posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and emphasized the importance of sustainability in poultry practices. Industry experts shared innovative strategies for enhancing flock health and biosecurity while addressing the delicate balance between environmental stewardship and production efficiency. With HPAI’s persistent threat, expert insights underscored the urgent need for proactive measures and collaborative efforts to ensure a resilient poultry industry capable of overcoming emerging viral diseases and maintaining animal welfare.

Dr. Ken Opengart, owner of 3 Birds Consulting, discussed prioritizing sustainability in poultry production and balancing environmental, economic and ethical considerations. He focused on key issues such as land stewardship, sustainable packaging and animal welfare. Strategic pillars include sustaining the planet, contributing to communities and creating shared values.

Drs. Kalen Cookson, Sean Chen and Travis Schaal provided updates on various diseases that plague the poultry industry. Dr. Cookson, director of clinical research at Zoetis, provided a status update on infectious laryngotracheitis virus (LT, ILTV or ILT) as well as reovirus. Cookson advised always to look and listen for signs of LT and try to limit foot traffic once the virus has been detected on a farm.

Dr. Chen, assistant professor and extension specialist at the University of Georgia, discussed the clinical signs of blackhead disease in turkeys and broiler breeders and ways to mitigate the spread. Chen said it’s crucial to implement several strategies, including actively culling sick birds, separating the sick from the healthy and replacing litter while ensuring thorough cleanout of housing facilities to minimize disease transmission. For broiler breeders, incorporating dewormers and gut health treatments, along with improved feed management and distribution, can help reduce morbidity and mortality in pullets by minimizing body weight variation.

Dr. Schaal, senior key account manager at Boehringer Ingelheim, discussed bacterial diseases in layers. Schaal remarked that there are three elements impacting poultry immune health and performance – the bird, the environment and the pathogens – also known as the disease triad. Schaal emphasized the importance of biosecurity and its role as the most important aspect of the disease prevention strategy.

Dr. Molly Parker, poultry veterinarian at Aviagen, provided an update on avian metapneumovirus (aMPV). Clinical signs – decrease in egg production, conjunctivitis, neurologic birds — in different species has some similarities but also differences. Parker stated that by the time the birds begin showing clinical signs, the virus has already done its damage and is gone. The best ways to help prevent and mitigate aMPV are to ensure proper management and biosecurity, provide a warm environment and proper ventilation, help reduce the side effects of secondary stressors like moving the birds and vaccinations, and stay vigilant.

Source: US Poultry & Egg Association

How to Keep Your Money Earned on the Farm: Tax Credits vs. Farm Credits

Poultry TV

Sophi Fairman

October 18, 2024

Most of the time, our Poultry Biosecurity tips revolve around increasing your bottom line. But what about keeping more of the money you’ve already earned? By taking advantage of farm tax credits, you can keep more of your hard-earned money, and by taking advantage of farm credits, you can even save money too.

European countries on avian flu alert

Poultry News

Sophi Fairman

October 18, 2024

In recent weeks, several European countries have heightened their alert levels for avian influenza, also known as bird flu, due to an increase in cases among poultry and wild birds. This move comes as health agencies in France, Germany, and Great Britain respond to the evolving situation with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infections.

France’s response

France has raised its alert level to “moderate” across the mainland as of October 16, 2024. The French Ministry of Agriculture justified this decision based on the rising number of HPAI cases in both wild birds and poultry. Migratory birds are identified as the primary vector for introducing the virus to poultry farms. This autumn, France has already confirmed five HPAI outbreaks in poultry, with the most recent cases detected just days ago.

Germany’s measures

Germany has also increased its alert level for avian flu, driven by the seasonal arrival of potentially infected migratory birds and cooler temperatures that favor the virus’s survival. The Friedrich-Loeffler Institute, Germany’s national veterinary reference laboratory, highlighted the importance of this measure as autumn progresses. The country has seen a gradual spread of HPAI cases in wild birds, prompting the need for heightened vigilance.

Situation in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has reported a steady increase in HPAI cases among wild birds. Eurasian migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, continue to arrive in the UK after passing through regions with reported HPAI cases. Defra now assesses the risk of HPAI virus incursion into wild birds as moderate, with the likelihood of regular occurrences in the coming months. The risk to poultry varies, being very low for farms with stringent biosecurity measures and low for those with suboptimal hygiene.

Broader European context

Beyond these three countries, other European nations are also grappling with HPAI outbreaks. Hungary has reported the highest number of outbreaks in the past three weeks, with ten cases primarily in commercial duck flocks. Italy confirmed its first HPAI cases of the season on October 1, affecting poultry farms in Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. Poland has also seen three outbreaks linked to the same virus variant since the start of October.

Human health implications

While the risk of human infection with avian influenza remains low, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) emphasizes that human infections are rare and no human-to-human transmission has been observed. However, those in close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments are advised to take precautions.

In conclusion, the increased alert levels across Europe reflect a proactive approach to managing the risk of avian influenza. By enhancing surveillance and biosecurity measures, European countries aim to mitigate the impact of this virus on both poultry and public health.

Source: avinews.com