Research underway in Auburn, US, to control AI in poultry feeds: Anitox

 

Pathogen control specialist, Anitox, has confirmed that studies - jointly funded by the US Poultry and Egg Association - are ongoing to provide critical data in the battle against Avian Influenza (AI).

"The project is being run by Dr Haroldo Toro, professor of avian diseases in the Department of Pathobiology at Auburn University, US," said Rick Philips, Anitox's president and CEO. "We're looking at multiple technologies to identify the best way to deliver residual protection of feed and feed ingredients." 

Philips also added that "substantive" data is now available to confirm that the core technology in Termin-8® is highly effective against AI. 

"The Auburn project is a substantial piece of the jigsaw, with trials designed to provide conditions that will offer maximum efficacy and residual protection in feed," he explained.

"The US egg industry has already been severely hit, and with winter migration now underway, we're doing everything we can to protect birds and businesses," Dr John Glisson, the vice president of research programmes with the US Poultry and Egg Association, said. "Strict biosecurity is the most fundamental feature of successful control of avian influenza.  It will be the key to eradicating this virus."

Feed is considered a potential vector for AI, with an increasing number of producers in the US and European layer and breeder sectors treating feed to ensure that it is virus-free at the point of consumption. 

As well as airborne transmission, the virus, which is carried by migratory birds and flies, has the potential to transfer via faecal material to feed ingredients and finished feeds.  

Results from the Auburn study are expected within weeks, with both parties committed to prompt publication.