POULTRY
There are over 1,100 chicken farming premises in Ontario, producing 202 million chickens
worth $759 million, with an annual total chicken industry economic contribution of $2.7
billion.1 Several different species of birds are raised for agricultural products, including
chickens, turkeys, ducks and game birds such as quail.
Poultry products, including eggs and meat, are important sources of affordable animal
protein worldwide. Broiler production has been described as one of the most intensive
forms of animal husbandry, with animals being housed at very high densities in all stages
of production. This approach can facilitate the spread of pathogens, including those with
zoonotic potential such as Salmonella. The primary infectious problems affecting poultry
are gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Intestinal infections, such as colibacillosis
and necrotic enteritis, are the primary indications for antibiotic therapy. In terms of
respiratory infections, E. coli is the most significant causative organism, and it is often
secondary to a different infectious or environmental stress.
There are over 1,100 chicken
farming premises in Ontario,
producing 202 million chickens
worth $759 million, with an
annual total chicken industry
economic contribution of $2.7
billion. Several different species
of birds are raised for agricultural
products, including chickens,
turkeys, ducks and game birds
such as quail.
Currently, the poultry industry has been heavily dependent on the use of antimicrobials
to control the spread of disease, and to promote intestinal health in meat birds.
Antimicrobials in poultry are used at therapeutic or sub-therapeutic doses, and a wide
variety of treatment protocols have been described. Intensive surveillance and constant
monitoring of health and performance are consistent feature of these programs.
1
College of Veterinarians of Ontario
http://www.ontariochicken.ca/Home.aspx
12