Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
In broiler production, chemical disinfectants are commonly used to clean the barn between flocks with the intent of preventing pathogen transmission from one flock to the next. While this may be advised if the preceding flock had an overt pathogen, it is unclear whether it is best practice if the previous flock was healthy.
With chemical disinfection, there are two potential negative impacts with respect to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR):
Disinfection also reduces the beneficial microbes transmitted between flocks that can outcompete pathogens and AMR microbes, and:
Common disinfectants can directly promote the development of AMR.
This project will specifically address the question of whether cleaning practice impact AMR levels in the chicken gut. The goal is to provide evidence-based results to support the selection of best practices for barn cleaning to reduce AMR while supporting a healthy microbiome.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This research will provide important information to the Alberta and Canadian poultry industry to help make informed decisions in barn sanitation practices to control antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) spread. There is potential to increase poultry production profitability by supporting reduced disinfection costs, and will increase consumer confidence in chicken products.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be disseminated via reports in industry newsletters, the Poultry Research Centre newsletter, and other various industry newsletters. Summaries will also be provided to poultry producers and industry partners at industry events, and during regular partner meetings.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.