Title : AviPhage: Harnessing bacterial predators to improve poultry farm health
Abstract:
Disease transmission of avian borne bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Escherichia spp. are a major global health concern in both developed and developing countries. Due to the overuse and mismanagement of antibiotic intervention, along with their residual presence in either the environment or within the food systems, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) renders many of these treatments ineffective. The continued limitation of these antibiotics proves to be of concern not only for animals, but human health as well. Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses specific to bacteria and have been demonstrated as an appealing alternative for the treatment of AMR infections. Due to their high specificity and replicative nature, phages overcome many of the shortcomings attributed to indiscriminate antibiotic use. At Cytophage Technologies Inc., we have developed therapeutics to not only limit the transmission of avian bacterial pathogens, but also reduce the amount of pathogen present. Our FarmPhage™ product, AviPhage™ a cocktail comprised of enteric bacteria targeting phages, demonstrated improved health outcomes in an authentic barn setting. In a large broiler trial comprising of flocks of nearly 1,000 birds, we have been able to achieve a reduction of enteric bacterial counts, 2.6% decrease in mortality and approximately 22% increase in weight gain resulting in earlier market delivery for chickens treated over a 33-day period. With increased regulatory measures toward antibiotic use and the prevalence of AMR pathogens, our AviPhage™ product offers farmers a safe and effective alternative to antibiotic use, while still improving animal health.
Audience Take Away:
• Bacteriophage offers farmers a pathogen specific antimicrobial which can aid in limiting the use of antibiotics.
• How bacteriophage can be used in reducing bacterial pathogen transmission and improve
animal health outcomes on poultry farms.
• Surveillance of bacterial population during phage administration allows for rapid deployment of effective phage cocktail formulations.
