A new review suggests that microplastics can act as mobile carriers for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, creating hotspots where resistance can persist and spread. The review calls for integrated treatment methods to control microplastics, antibiotics, and resistance genes.
Researchers from Texas A&M are testing far-UVC light to determine its effectiveness in reducing airborne pathogens in commercial poultry houses without harming birds. The study, led by Morgan Farnell and Ziteng Xu, aims to provide a new tool for the poultry industry to protect bird health and reduce mortality and economic losses.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring gut molecule that strengthens chickens' immune response against bacterial infections. The compound, sodium butyrate, reprograms chicken immune cells to fight diseases without causing inflammation.
Researchers at Penn State and the USDA have identified 10 genomic variants associated with increased virulence in Marek's disease virus, a deadly illness affecting chickens. The study could inform the design of more effective vaccines that can prevent future breakthroughs.
A new study reveals that industrial poultry farming has led to a 100-fold increase in Campylobacter movement, allowing strains to mix extensively in commercial poultry populations. This has resulted in more than 3.5 times as many gastroenteritis cases in the UK each year compared to other foodborne bacteria.
Research reveals birds can harness lactate to rapidly resurrect blood function, outperforming mammals. Lactate enables bird RBCs to convert methaemoglobin back to haemoglobin three times faster than mammalian RBCs.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a promising new vaccine approach against highly pathogenic bird flu (H5N1) that demonstrates strong efficacy in both mice and dairy cattle. The vaccine platform protects against multiple H5N1 strains and generates immunity in both the bloodstream and respiratory tract.
Researchers have identified phage W5 as a safe and effective natural virus capable of eliminating harmful Salmonella on various foods and packaging materials. The study establishes a solid foundation for developing novel phage-based disinfectants or preservatives to combat antibiotic resistance and enhance food safety.
A study by Iowa State University researchers reveals that avian influenza can infect livestock and humans through their mammary glands, which have high levels of sialic acids. This increases the risk of transmission and potentially more dangerous adaptations emerging.
Researchers are tracking the New World screwworm's potential return to California, deploying traps baited with a lure that attracts the fly. Early detection is critical to preventing an outbreak, particularly among farm animals vulnerable to wounds. The project aims to raise awareness and prevent infestations if the fly were to reappear.
Researchers developed a drone-based AI system to monitor turkey behavior, detecting 87% of behaviors and 98% accuracy. The system could reduce labor demands, allow continuous monitoring, and lower training burdens.
A study published in Nature found that wild birds, particularly ducks, geese, and swans, are driving the current US bird flu outbreak. The viruses were introduced to North America via migratory birds and have become better adapted to infect wild birds since 2020.
Researchers identified two antimicrobial peptides that can kill various types of Salmonella and reduce its load in chickens. The study's findings suggest these peptides could improve food safety and public health by mitigating antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have created a statistical model using 20 years' worth of sentinel chicken data to predict elevated West Nile virus activity up to six months in advance. This breakthrough could lead to proactive preventative measures and improve disease outbreak response.
Researchers from academia and industry join forces to improve outbreak modelling readiness and inform policy decisions during disease outbreaks. The initiative provides datasets simulating real-time outbreak scenarios, enhancing global preparedness against HPAI's significant threat to animal and human health.
The H5N1 virus has defied control, spreading to other species and disrupting every stage of the dairy sector. A One Health approach is necessary to mitigate the outbreak, taking into account animal and human health with environmental factors.
A recent study reveals that heat stress directly alters fat metabolism in adipose tissue, regulating genes that promote fat storage. Researchers identified 459 genes that showed different expression levels in response to heat stress, highlighting the active role of adipose tissue in fat deposition.
Researchers from DTU found that a sustainable diet can allow for up to 255g of poultry or pork per week without harming the planet. However, moderate amounts of red meat exceed planetary boundaries. The study suggests that pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets can be healthy and sustainable.
Researchers detected widespread contamination of retail chicken meat in Bangladesh with antibiotic-resistant E. albertii, a lesser-known but deadly pathogen. The study highlights the need for improved hygiene measures and stricter regulations to prevent foodborne infections.
Researchers have developed a bioreactor that can produce over 10 grams of chicken muscle for cultured meat applications. The system enables cell distribution, alignment, contractility, and improved food-related properties, making it a practical alternative to vascular-based methods.
A new study published in Poultry Science predicts a significant decline in chicken fertility rates, from approximately 75% to 60% by 2050. This decline could lead to production issues and higher costs for consumers, affecting the poultry industry's ability to meet growing demand.
A novel selective medium was developed to isolate Escherichia albertii, a previously uncharacterized species. The CT-PS-XR-MacConkey agar selectively differentiated E. albertii from other bacteria, including those in food samples. This finding has significant implications for the identification and study of this pathogen.
A comprehensive atlas of gene activity in chickens has been created, revealing how millions of genetic variants affect gene regulation and giving researchers tools to understand agriculturally important traits. This knowledge could lead to healthier flocks, more resilient farming systems, and fewer economic losses for poultry producers.
A new study reveals that wild birds such as pelicans and peregrine falcons are carrying and spreading the H5N1 virus from poultry farms to new areas worldwide. The research highlights the need for revised monitoring and treatment strategies to protect human health.
A new study finds that Canada is the slowest country to report genetic information about bird flu, with an average time of 618 days. However, the same researchers note that Canada was able to improve its response to COVID-19, highlighting the need for similar urgency in addressing this public health threat.
Researchers found that inhibiting the sonic hedgehog pathway restricts feather bud outgrowth and branching in chickens. Temporarily modified Shh expression resulted in proto-featherlike structures, highlighting the pathway's importance in feather development.
A new study found regional and age-related trends in exposure to drug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni infections. Drug-resistant C. jejuni infections were highest among people aged 20-39, while certain states had significantly higher rates of resistance than others.
A recent study found that slow-growing broilers displayed behaviors associated with positive animal welfare, including standing and preening. In contrast, conventional broilers sat in a lateral posture. The research suggests that growth rate may impact broiler behavior, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A new biosensor can detect airborne H5N1 avian influenza virus in under 5 minutes, providing real-time monitoring for dairy and poultry farms. The sensor uses electrochemical capacitive biosensors to improve detection speed and sensitivity.
A Cornell University study used a computer model to predict the transmission of bird flu to backyard poultry when migratory mallards stop to rest. The researchers found that mallard ducks are natural carriers of avian influenza and can spread the disease to backyard poultry if they stop to rest in an area with high risk for introduction.
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have found that adding biochar to chicken feed can significantly reduce campylobacter levels in free-range chickens. The study, published in Poultry Science, demonstrates an 80% reduction in campylobacter and suggests a potential tool for improving public health.
A new method called periodic cooking optimally cooks both the yolk and white of a boiled egg, resulting in an evenly-cooked egg with higher nutritional content. The approach involves alternating the egg between boiling water and a cooler temperature, yielding soft yolks similar to sous vide eggs.
A Mediterranean-style diet was associated with improved brain health in Hispanic/Latino adults, showing enhanced communication between brain regions and reduced white matter atrophy. The study used specialized imaging techniques to investigate the effects of diet on brain integrity.
A new study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers suggests that many people may already have immune cells on standby to combat the H5N1 virus. The study found similarities between H5N1 and seasonal influenza viruses, allowing scientists to predict cross-reactive T cell responses that could help decrease disease severity.
A new study finds that Enterococcus faecalis produces protective capsular slime when present with certain strains of pathogenic Escherichia coli, making E. coli more resistant in low-iron environments. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for specific dog and poultry infections.
New research from the University of Georgia suggests that turkeys are adapting their behavior in response to hunter activity, making them harder to detect and harvest. Hunters may need to adopt more creative and patient strategies to succeed in the future.
A global research team has developed an advanced diagnostic kit for detecting the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus, allowing for rapid detection of both high and low pathogenic strains. The kit's swift detection enables timely responses to outbreaks, reducing transmission risks and preventing devastating epidemics.
Researchers are developing a novel vaccine and exploring the use of bile acids to fight necrotic enteritis, a preventable intestinal disease in poultry that costs the industry up to $6 billion annually. The vaccine, known as MEFA, targets multiple virulence points of the disease-causing pathogen, providing better protection against inf...
Histomonosis, a deadly parasite that decimates turkey flocks, is being studied for its transmission routes and potential treatments. Researchers aim to understand how the parasite survives and spreads, with a focus on fecal-oral transmission via contaminated feces or cecal droppings.
A new study demonstrates a cost-effective method for producing cultivated meat, addressing scalability and cost challenges. The continuous manufacturing process enables daily biomass harvests and reduces costs by up to $6.20 per pound, aligning with organic chicken prices.
Researchers found that domestic hens exhibit distinct facial expressions, including flushing and feather fluffing, to convey different emotions. The study provides a window into the emotional lives of farmed poultry, potentially improving their welfare.
Emerging antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates found in retail chicken meat poses a significant threat to public health. The study found a dramatic increase in multidrug-resistant S. Infantis, which has been linked to high levels of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.
A new study reveals that a small number of products containing high levels of virulent Salmonella strains are responsible for most salmonellosis cases from raw chicken parts. The researchers suggest regulating these high-risk contamination events rather than frequency of detection to protect public health.
Researchers from SWPS University found that assigning individual characteristics to farm animals can change children's attitudes towards eating meat. In studies involving preschoolers aged 5-6, those who were given a name and unique habits showed increased desire to befriend the animal and decreased willingness to eat its meat.
A study found that male baby chickens play more than females, with males engaging in social and object play. The researchers suggest that this difference may be due to the high degree of sexual dimorphism in adult junglefowl.
Researchers identified a genetic link between higher levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk of bipolar disorder. Arachidonic acid, found in meat, seafood, and human milk, may hold potential for lifestyle or dietary interventions to prevent or treat the condition.
Research found high levels of resistance to critically important antibiotics in uncooked meat, including chicken, lamb, beef, and pork. Uncooked dog food samples also showed similar resistance patterns.
Research found that chickens get red in the face depending on their emotional state, with lighter colors at rest and scarlet red during negative experiences. The study also suggests using facial redness as an indicator of animal welfare, particularly in domesticated breeds.
A study by North Carolina State University found that rates of Salmonella in fecal and environmental samples were more prevalent on larger commercial farms than on smaller backyard farms. The researchers also discovered multidrug resistance in Salmonella samples from both types of production systems.
Archaeologists and biomolecular scientists found evidence of chicken domestication in Central Asia, dating back to 400 BCE. The study suggests that chickens were widely raised for egg production and lost their seasonal egg-laying ability, driving dispersal across Eurasia.
Researchers found that altering the starch, oil, and amino acid content of a broiler diet can help support healthy growth in coccidiosis-challenged birds. The optimal mix consists of 35.8% starch, 8.9% oil, and 101.3% recommended amino acids.
The University of Missouri researchers are developing new technology to rapidly detect and mitigate salmonella and other foodborne pathogens throughout the entire poultry supply chain. The team aims to significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness in people, with rapid results that can be produced in one hour or less.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have developed a new hybrid technique for creating detailed 3D images of the chicken brain. The method, which combines histochemistry and diceCT imaging, allows for quality images resembling MRI technology at a lower cost.
The project will assess how xanthophyll carotenoids in NutraMaize Orange Corn mitigate negative health effects associated with heat-induced oxidative stress. The researchers aim to improve egg-laying hen health and performance during heat stress events.
The study found that co-existing bacteria species in the chicken gut share AMR-associated genetic material and implement similar resistance mechanisms. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding microbial community interactions in livestock farming.
A University of Queensland study found humans can correctly identify the emotional context of chickens' clucks, with 69% accuracy. The ability to detect emotional information from vocalisations could improve the welfare of farmed chickens.
Chicken sperm can retain fertility and viability for up to three weeks after refrigeration, making it unsuitable for traditional cryopreservation methods. The study found that removing calcium ions impacts energy metabolism dynamics, inducing a physiological dormancy-like state in the sperm cells.
A team of scientists used ancient DNA to trace the evolution of Marek's Disease Virus, revealing genetic alterations that increased its virulence over time. The study highlights the importance of preserving archaeological remains in understanding the emergence of deadly diseases.
A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.