Alternatives to antibiotics: Novel strategies to reduce foodborne pathogens in organic poultry

Authors: ARSI, KOMALA - University Of Arkansas; Donoghue, Ann - Annie; UPADHYAYA, INDU - University Of Arkansas; UPADHYAY, ABHINAV - University Of Arkansas; WAGLE, BASANTA - University Of Arkansas; SHRESTHA, SANDIP - University Of Arkansas; VENKITANARAYANAN, KUMAR - University Of Connecticut; DARRE, MICHAEL - University Of Connecticut; KOLLANOOR-JOHNY, ANUP - University Of Minnesota; FANATICO, ANNE - Appalachian State University; PESCATORE, ANTHONY - University Of Kentucky; JACOB, JACQUIE - University Of Kentucky; HULET, RALPH - Pennsylvania State University; Byrd Ii, James - Allen

Submitted to: Midwest Poultry Federation Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/14/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Organic poultry production is one of the fastest growing segments of organic agriculture with a 20% average annual increase since the establishment of the National Organic Program (NOP). Although most management practices in organic production are designed to promote bird health and prevent disease, the lack of consistent and long lasting organic therapeutics for enteric diseases can adversely influence bird health and wholesomeness of poultry products. Enteric diseases such as necrotic enteritis, and food safety concerns due to pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, are high priority issues for organic poultry producers. Although the conventional poultry industry is equipped with several interventions to control these pathogens in broiler chickens, organic poultry producers have access to only a limited number of antibacterials that are safe, effective and approved for organic poultry production. Therefore, there is a critical need for developing strategies to promote gut health and limit disease/pathogens in organically-raised birds. Through an Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI, NIFA) funded project, a team of poultry researchers from across the United States have collaborated to target this issue and provide organic farmers with viable, easy to implement solutions that improve poultry health and safety. Research from our laboratories indicates that plant-based, food-grade, natural and environmentally-safe compounds such as Beta-resorcylic acid, eugenol and carvacrol have significant antimicrobial efficacy against poultry pathogens and could address food safety and disease concerns in organic production systems.

Technical Abstract: Organic poultry production is one of the fastest growing segments of organic agriculture with a 20% average annual increase since the establishment of the National Organic Program (NOP). Although most management practices in organic production are designed to promote bird health and prevent disease, the lack of consistent and long lasting organic therapeutics for enteric diseases can adversely influence bird health and wholesomeness of poultry products. Enteric diseases such as necrotic enteritis, and food safety concerns due to pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, are high priority issues for organic poultry producers. Although the conventional poultry industry is equipped with several interventions to control these pathogens in broiler chickens, organic poultry producers have access to only a limited number of antibacterials that are safe, effective and approved for organic poultry production. Therefore, there is a critical need for developing strategies to promote gut health and limit disease/pathogens in organically-raised birds. Through an Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI, NIFA) funded project, a team of poultry researchers from across the United States have collaborated to target this issue and provide organic farmers with viable, easy to implement solutions that improve poultry health and safety. Research from our laboratories indicates that plant-based, food-grade, natural and environmentally-safe compounds such as Beta-resorcylic acid, eugenol and carvacrol have significant antimicrobial efficacy against poultry pathogens and could address food safety and disease concerns in organic production systems.