'Strong Evidence' Demonstrates Alpha-Toxin's Role in Necrotic Enteritis
Why are researchers investigating the role of alpha-toxin in the development of necrotic enteritis? Two scientists share insights from studies that could impact the management of NE, a serious and costly disease.

Alpha-toxin Provides Excellent Protection against NE; Other Proteins Likely Involved
Independent research by Canadian investigators using state-of-the-art technology confirms that alpha-toxin, a secreted protein from Clostridium perfringens, plays a key role in the development of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broilers and that other proteins may also be involved in the pathogenesis of this complex disease.

NE is a Complicated Disease
Finding ways to prevent or control necrotic enteritis (NE) in broilers is challenging because Clostridium perfringens, the bacterium that causes the disease, has chameleon-like qualities, and other factors, such as management, may be involved.

Alpha-toxin Gene Linked to Necrotic Enteritis in India
A study conducted on broilers from India confirmed that Clostridium perfringens type A was the cause of necrotic enteritis (NE) and that alpha-toxin may play a significant role in development of the disease, say Arunava Das of the Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, and associates.

US Study Suggests Alpha-toxin Plays Role in Cause of NE
Vaccination of broilers with recombinant alpha-toxin protected broilers against an experimental challenge with Clostridium perfringens, suggesting that alpha-toxin plays a role in the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis (NE).

NE vaccine trials in Europe
Two clinical field trials conducted in Europe demonstrated that vaccination of hens with Netvax, a Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid vaccine, prevented development of NE in broiler progeny, reported Dr. Luciano Gobbi, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health’s technical manager for poultry, Italy.

Vaccine lowers NE risk in ‘real-world’ conditions
A trial in the US designed to test the Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid vaccine under real-world conditions demonstrated that the vaccine lowers the risk for NE mortality, according to Dr. Charlie Broussard, a veterinarian with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.

Role of diet in NE questioned
During a lively interchange between panel members and the audience, session chairman Dr. Peter Scott said he has been surprised at the higher prevalence of NE in North America compared to Australia, where the diet for broilers is wheat-based. Wheat-based diets have been linked to a higher prevalence of NE.

Alpha-toxin a ‘primary player’
In a discussion on the mechanisms of protection conferred by the Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid vaccine, Broussard confirmed that there is more to be discovered about why and how the vaccine triggers immunity.

Toxoid vaccine key to NE control
Asurge of interest in antibiotic-free broiler production throughout Canada’s poultry industry, coupled with the eventual availability of an effective vaccine to prevent necrotic enteritis, could become an important catalyst for change in the world poultry industry.

Feed additives and NE
Acute necrotic enteritis (NE) may come and go like a storm, but it’s ongoing subclinical NE that does the real economic damage — and why finding dietary alternatives to control the disease would be a boon to poultry producers, said Professor Mingan Choct, chief executive officer of the Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Center.

Coccidiosis field research yields surprising results
Field research has yielded unexpected findings about the impact of clean or used litter on coccidiosis control and underscores the importance of initiating coccidiosis immunity early in broiler flocks.

Management practices that boost performance
An intensive European study has pinpointed management factors that can yield the best performance results in broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis.

Vaccine is valuable tool in high-end broiler market
Paracox-5, an attenuated coccidiosis vaccine, is playing an important role in the valuable free-range and organic broiler markets of South Africa.

Vaccine development — where to from here?
Vaccines are emerging as a tool for managing an increasingly broad range of poultry diseases even though the application of new vaccine technology is slow coming to the poultry industry, according to two speakers.

Life after antibiotics: Vaccines part of holistic solution
The poultry industry can produce birds without the benefit of growth promoters, but it will take a wellthought- out holistic approach to make it work, cautioned Dr. Peter Scott.

Adding More Value
Nearly 3 years ago, Dr. Rae Fischer made what some people in the broiler industry might have called a very brave decision. Others might have said it was foolhardy.

Fringe benefits
Coccidiosis vaccination used to be viewed solely as a method for controlling coccidiosis, but years of experience have transformed it into a broad management tool with multiple benefits for poultry producers.

Science Meets Skill
Few would argue that to achieve the best performance in poultry or any other species, health care must be based not just on sound science but on the skilled application of science that only comes with hands-on experience.

Puerto Vallarta
Veterinary professionals learned about the importance of early coccidial cycling during the 57th Western Poultry Disease Conference and XXXIII ANECA annual convention held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Flavored feed has potential
Flavored chicken feed might provide a way to improve management of broilers and layers, says B.L. Damron, of the Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, University of Florida.

Multimedia tool helps producers ensure best broiler diet, growth
An interactive educational program designed to help broiler operators ensure optimal coccidiosis control and maximum growth potential has been developed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.

Vaccine project targets E. coli, salmonella
The old adage that “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” may apply to a new vaccine project underway at Arizona State University, reports thepoultrysite.com.

NE strains of C. perfringens are mighty gut warriors
Strains of Clostridium perfringens that cause necrotic enteritis (NE) replace C. perfringens strains that do not cause the disease — and also battle against one another in the chicken gut — indicates research that could eventually lead to improved understanding and better management of NE.

Performance influenced by diet in coccidiosis-vaccinated broiler breeders
Integrators rearing replacement broiler breeders should take into account the finding that early flock performance can be influenced by dietary composition, depending on the genetic line and gender, Leslee A. Oden, of Texas A&M University, said at the American Association of Avian Pathologists annual meeting held last July.

Surveys indicate increase in coccidiosis-infected flocks
Two extensive surveys conducted in Norway indicate the incidence of coccidia-infected broiler flocks has increased from 42% to 76% during a 3-year period.