Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 4/30/14
 
Spreading of litter from pullet houses in which flocks have had Blackhead disease may be an important risk factor regarding the spread of the disease. This, according to recently completed USPOULTRY research at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., of Blackhead disease in poultry.

An experimental live attenuated vaccine failed to protect birds against the disease, according to lead researchers of the project, “Blackhead disease (Histomoniasis): Reducing losses through molecular tracking and immunization.”

Researchers Robert Beckstead and Larry McDougald at the University of Georgia confirmed that there are many reservoirs of Blackhead disease and that isolates of the causative agent vary widely in their virulence and drug sensitivity.

“[A] significant part of the biology of [Histomonas meleagridis] and its interaction with chickens and turkeys is poorly understood. Our data suggests that careful consideration should be taken when spreading litter from chicken farms near turkey facilities,” they wrote in a summary of the project. “Identification of strains with high virulence in chickens suggests we should use caution in spreading litter from these farms near other poultry operations.”

For a detailed summary of the project, click here.

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