ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2025 77 “Typical symptoms of pathogenic E. coli infection include diarrhea, omphalitis, pericarditis, aerosacculitis, as well as infected skin lesions (cellulitis) in broilers or genital tract infections in breeders, occurring by contiguity. These clinical signs not only impair bird welfare but also result in considerable performance losses in broiler, layer and breeder production. Environmental stressors, inadequate biosecurity, and compromised mucosal integrity or immune function further increase birds’ susceptibility to colibacillosis.” In modern poultry production systems, birds are particularly sensitive to inflammation caused by a late and inconsistent establishment of the microbiota, as well as numerous danger signals (e.g., high stocking density, genetics, vaccination, handling or transport). Chronic inflammation creates favorable conditions for the growth of opportunistic pathogens (i.e. E. coli), leading to bird morbidity and performance losses. Bird infection, whether bacterial, viral, or triggered by environmental stress, can occur unpredictably and is often triggered by inflammation. That’s why it is essential to adopt a broad proactive approach, applied to all flocks, one that mitigates risks before they develop into problems. Colibacillosis remains one of the most impactful bacterial diseases in poultry farming worldwide, silently driving high mortality rates and major economic losses. Beyond its financial impact, colibacillosis raises serious concerns for animal welfare, making it a critical issue that poultry professionals cannot overlook. Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium, is among the first enterobacteria to colonize the digestive tract within a few hours after hatching. As such, it is considered a commensal microorganism in the poultry gut. While most of Escherichia coli strains are harmless commensals, some strains such as Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) have acquired virulence factors that confer pathogenicity, leading to colibacillosis in chicks, broilers, laying hens, and breeders. Typical symptoms of pathogenic E. coli infection include diarrhea, omphalitis, pericarditis, aerosacculitis, as well as infected skin lesions (cellulitis) in broilers or genital tract infections in breeders, occurring by contiguity. These clinical signs not only impair bird welfare but also result in considerable performance losses in broiler, layer and breeder production. Environmental stressors, inadequate biosecurity, and compromised mucosal integrity or immune function further increase birds’ susceptibility to colibacillosis. NUTRITION AS A KEY TOOL FOR LOWERING E. COLI RISK IN POULTRY Louise Vigier Poultry Technical Deployer Lallemand Animal Nutrition
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