Sustainable Poultry Health

We seek scientifically grounded solutions for the challenges of sustainable poultry farming

Globally, the demand for poultry products is growing rapidly. This expansion brings both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the areas of animal health, environment, sustainability, and animal-friendly husbandry.

At Utrecht University, we work on innovative solutions for these, sometimes conflicting, challenges. With years of expertise in fundamental and applied poultry research, we contribute to the further development of an innovative poultry sector that benefits both animals and people. Together, we seek scientifically grounded solutions for the challenges of sustainable poultry farming, now and in the future.

Vaccines for infectious bronchitis

Infectious bronchitis is caused by the avian gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), which is found worldwide. Infections are characterized by an acute upper-respiratory tract disease, drops in egg production and egg quality and a nephritis can be caused by some strains of the virus. There exist many different antigenic types of the virus and due to a high rate of mutation, recombination and sometimes interspecies transmission, new antigenic variants constantly emerge. Different antigenic types and variants have no to high levels of cross-protection.

We know by trial and error which combinations of two vaccines induce broad cross-protection but we lack the knowledge why. Finding the determinants of ability to broad protection would enable us to develop vaccines or vaccination programs that would be more effective.

We aim to develop more effective vaccines or vaccination programs

Alternatives to antibiotic treatments of E. coli

Escherichia coli is the most common bacterium found in commercially raised poultry. Outbreaks in flocks can cause colibacillosis, a disease that leads to increased mortality and condemnations at slaughter. Historically, antimicrobial drugs have been effective in reducing losses from colibacillosis. However, with rising concerns about antibiotic resistance, the poultry industry is actively exploring alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of E. coli infections.

We study the pathogenesis and immune responses to E. coli infections in depth. This research aims to develop concrete alternatives to antibiotic treatments, contributing to sustainable solutions for poultry health and production.

Better understanding of E. coli is crucial to finding sustainable solutions that improve poultry health and welfare worldwide

Interventions for Enterococcus

Enterococcus infections are emerging in poultry worldwide, leading to a variety of clinical disease. Most outbreaks are accompanied with increased mortality and condemnation. Clinical signs observed include apathy, neurological signs and lameness, which depend on the Enterococcus species involved. The most important species associated with clinical disease in poultry is Enterococcus cecorum, tough the pathogenesis of these infections is not well understood. Certain strains of this normal intestinal inhabitant can cause severe outbreaks, leading to lameness and increased mortality.

We are doing research to unravel the crucial steps in the pathogenesis of Enterococcus cecorum infections in poultry. With this knowledge, prophylactic interventions can be tested and implemented in the field to improve poultry health and welfare.

We aim to implement effective prophylactic interventions to battle Enterococcus infections

Research on heat stress

With rising temperatures, commercially raised poultry are increasingly experiencing heat stress. This phenomenon not only negatively impacts production but also affects the welfare of broilers. To develop effective interventions, a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of heat stress is essential.

Our research focuses on mapping the physiological, metabolic, and immunological responses that occur during heat stress. We aim to identify objective parameters that indicate when animals are suffering from heat stress. This knowledge is crucial for timely interventions, improving both the health and productivity of poultry.

We aim to protect the well-being of broilers during rising temperatures

Our group members