With birds free to roam around, floor eggs can be a serious and labour-intensive problem.
in part to birds having greater exposure to faecal material and dust (litter access). As birds have greater access to litter and the ground outside, there is a greater chance of poten- tially being exposed to parasites and contracting worm infes- tations. Increased roundworm and even tapeworm burdens have also become more prevalent in these systems. Spotty liver disease, caused by Campylobacter hepaticus and C. bilis, is particularly prevalent in free-ranging flocks. Focal ulcerative dermatitis syndrome (FUDS) is associated more with cage-free layers and over time can lead to high mortality losses. This skin condition is unusual in that it is not necessarily connected with pecking, scratching or other wounds. Initially Staphylococcus hyicus was suspected to be the causative agent but more recent research has indicated that Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus agnetis are the main bacteria found in these lesions. More cases of erysipelas have been noted this past year, probably due to the access to other animals, such as pigs or wildlife, that could be the source of the disease. Increased pecking – or any other exter- nal trauma – can also create a pathway for bacteria to enter the birds.
Health plan These challenges mean that it’s important to have a proper layer health plan. The following points and considerations
26 ▶ POULTRY WORLD | No. 8, 2021
set out what this health plan should include. • Vaccines – have an appropriate vaccination programme in place, plus coccidiosis control.
• Gut Health – make sure you’re managing for good gut health. This means using pre, pro and post-biotics. A better gut microflora is going to help decrease the unwanted bacteria, increase the useful bacteria, and birds will poten- tially have fewer issues with intestinal diseases. Improving gut morphology is also important. It is a good idea to look for and incorporate an immune-support feed additive. This will help not only with immune function and gut health, but overall well-being as well.
• Biosecurity – here you want to control people, equipment and anything that may introduce unwanted pathogens onto the farm or to the flock. Any equipment coming into the poultry house needs to be clean. There needs to be a good sanitation programme in place between flocks.
• Water sanitation and maintenance – it is critical to be aware of this, as pathogens can get into water lines and bio films which can lead to issues such as disruption of the microflora or dysbacteriosis. This can lead to birds getting infections and the need for treatment and antibiotics.
• Cleaning and disinfection downtime. You need to have a procedure in place and allow enough downtime before birds are moved back in.
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