Preventing and controlling feed-borne pathogens is vital for the health and productivity of our production systems, as the introduction and spread of pathogens can compromise intestinal integrity, leading to inflammation, dysbiosis and increased disease susceptibility. An integrated feed biosecurity approach is essential for keeping the feed safe.
Technical Director
Anitox
A high-quality feed includes essential elements like balanced nutrients, excellent digestibility, and safety. The quality of feed significantly influences the overall health of poultry and swine by providing essential nutrients that support growth and physiological functions, including maintaining a functional immune response. In contrast, poor-quality diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies and introduce harmful contaminants such as pathogens, toxins, and chemical residues. These contaminants can compromise animal health, cause dysbiosis, and negatively impact overall health and productivity.
FEED BIOSECURITY CHALLENGES
Feed contamination and recontamination can occur from various steps within the feed supply chain, from sourcing raw materials, storage, to transporting finished feed. Pathogen contamination by bacterial, fungal and viral organisms negatively impacts the microbial quality and compromises feed biosecurity. Understanding the types of pathogens that can contaminate feed and their effects on animal health is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
For instance, Salmonella in poultry is frequently associated with animal feed and poses significant health risks to both animals and humans. Salmonella-positive ingredients are more prevalent in animal-based products. However, plant-based ingredients can also be contaminated from storage, transportation, or handling. Since there are no trading rules specifically addressing Salmonella in these ingredients, implementing an effective monitoring program to screen incoming ingredients carefully remains the most responsible approach to prevent Salmonella from entering the system.
Although we may encounter limitations in sourcing ingredients, preventive measures and treatments applied to these ingredients can prevent the pathogen from entering our production system.
Another feed-source pathogen, Clostridium perfringens, can cause subclinical symptoms that affect the uniformity and performance of the flock, while clinical symptoms lead to necrotic enteritis and high mortality rates. Escherichia coli is often a food safety concern in poultry and enterotoxigenic strains (ETEC) are a particular problem in piglets and can lead to enteric colibacillosis, characterized by severe, watery diarrhea and dehydration, which can further cause acidosis and sudden death.
Fungal contamination in feed, particularly mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN), can lead to a variety of problems. These include damage to the liver, kidneys and intestines, which can affect metabolism and nutrient utilization, ultimately impacting the animal’s growth performance. Additionally, these toxins can weaken the immune system, making animals more susceptible to illness, and cause reproductive issues by disrupting hormonal balance.
Viruses were not considered a risk in swine feed until it was confirmed that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRS) and African swine fever virus (ASFv) could survive in feed and feed ingredients. The risk from avian influenza virus (AIV) seems lower compared to swine viruses, but feed biosecurity measures, such as regular screening and hygiene management, remain important.
PEDV primarily targets the intestinal lining, resulting in diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition. PRRS compromises the immune system, leading to secondary gut infections and impaired nutrient absorption. ASFV, being more systemic, inflicts severe internal damage, including hemorrhagic enteritis. In poultry, HPAI disrupts intestinal health through inflammation and immune suppression, reducing nutrient uptake. These viruses significantly diminish animal performance and increase mortality rates. Transmission through contaminated feed underscores the importance of stringent biosecurity measures, making effective feed biosecurity essential.
SOLUTIONS TO MITIGATE FEED-SOURCE PATHOGEN IMPACT
Addressing the challenges posed by pathogens in animal feed is essential for ensuring the health and productivity of poultry and swine. To mitigate these risks, a comprehensive strategy which encompasses routine testing of ingredients and finished feed, robust vaccination program, stringent biosecurity measures and rigorous hygiene practices throughout the feed supply chain is required. Additionally, the use of feed treatments, such as UV irradiation, thermal treatment and chemical treatments can significantly reduce the introduction and spread of pathogens within the animal production system.
Tailoring vaccination programs to farm conditions can provide lasting immunity and protect livestock from disease outbreaks. However, there is no silver bullet or one-size-fits-all solution to mitigating feed-source pathogen impact on animal health, requiring a carefully implemented, strategic multi-prong approach. Feed sanitizers, such as Termin-8® and Finio®, offer an effective solution, providing long-term protection against recontamination.
Studies have shown that formaldehyde-based sanitizers significantly reduce Salmonella contamination and keep feed pathogen-free for extended periods. By protecting feed throughout production and transport, feed sanitizers strengthen biosecurity and ensure clean feed reaches animals.
SUCCESSFUL PATHOGEN MITIGATION STRATEGIES
The effect of sanitized feed on broiler performance was assessed at Colorado Quality Research. The results indicate that feed sanitation significantly reduces the microbial load in the diet. Even under a clinical challenge with necrotic enteritis, broilers fed sanitized feed showed reduced mortality rates and less impact on performance.
In swine, chemical mitigants like feed sanitizers have proven effective against various viruses. Studies confirm that pigs consuming treated feed exhibit lower infection rates compared to non-treated controls.
By leveraging advanced feed safety technologies and monitoring systems, we can effectively reduce microbial loads, which is crucial for maintaining gut health.
Preventing and controlling feed-borne pathogens is vital for the health and productivity of our production systems, as the introduction and spread of pathogens can compromise intestinal integrity, leading to inflammation, dysbiosis and increased disease susceptibility. An integrated feed biosecurity approach is essential for keeping the feed safe. This must include quality control for raw materials, improved feed storage and handling, good housekeeping and biosecurity measures.
By implementing comprehensive pathogen control programs, farmers can effectively mitigate risks, ensuring healthier animals and improved productivity.
About Dr. Yun-Mei Amy Lin
Dr. Yun-Mei Amy Lin, received her Ph.D. in Poultry Science from North Carolina State University and has over five years of industry experience. Her extensive academic background and professional experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities of animal and poultry science. Dr. Lin is deeply passionate about food sustainability and dedicated to ensuring the highest standards in animal health and safety.
