In tropical monsoon regions, like India, seasonal changes are a major non-genetic factor influencing poultry production. The rainy season usually causes an increase in humidity and a drop in temperature. Rainfall impacts both the quality and amount of feed, while wind speed can affect disease outbreaks. The chicken industry often faces more difficulties due to disease outbreaks during the monsoon, as it creates ideal conditions for diseases to grow and spread among flocks. As a result, most poultry farmers see high rates of mortality and morbidity during this time.

Product-Based Solutions for Specific Disease Conditions

• Mycotoxicoses:

VINSORB-BIO is a unique combination of high-grade mycotoxin adsorbents and mould inhibitors, as well as antifungal elements, along with lipotropic agents, which makes VINSORB-BIO a very effective mycotoxin binder.

• Coccidiosis:

BIOCOCCIN is a phytogenic coccidiostat that helps to control coccidiosis in poultry.

• Gut-Related Diseases:

DIARRELIF is the mixture of appropriately selected herbs and their blends, which positively reduces diarrhoea in poultry.

• Respiratory Diseases:

MUCOFORT is a natural tonic that ensures the rapid recovery of respiratory issues in poultry.

• Immunosuppression:

NUCLEOVIN is a potential immunomodulator that contains nucleotides, vitamin C, and probiotics that can activate immune system responses.

*References on request*

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a zoonotic disease caused by influenza A viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family, classified by two surface proteins: haemagglutinin (H1–H16) and neuraminidase (N1–N9). These viruses vary in severity; low-pathogenic strains cause mild respiratory issues or reduced egg production, while highly pathogenic strains (HPAI) can lead to severe, often fatal, systemic disease. As per the recent FAO report, there have been 297 reported HPAI outbreaks in animals across five regions, mainly due to H5N1 (254 cases), followed by H5Nx (33), H5N5 (9), and H5N9 (1).

Understanding Transmission

Wild aquatic and migratory birds serve as asymptomatic reservoirs of the Avian Influenza virus. These birds transmit the virus to domestic poultry via contaminated environments, where viral shedding occurs through feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions. They can be further spread through direct contact with secretions from infected poultry, contaminated feed, water, and farm equipment. This results in severe economic and production losses for the farmer. The avian influenza virus has a high survival rate even in low temperatures and harsh environments.

Know the signs of Avian Influenza in your flock          

Diagnosis methods to determine Avian influenza

Avian Influenza cannot be diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs alone; laboratory testing is also important.

• Molecular techniques like reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR), which detect the viral RNA.
• Serological tests such as AGID or ELISA, used to identify antibodies against the virus.
• Genetic sequencing  which helps confirm the virus strain and its pathogenicity.

These tests help distinguish Avian Influenza from other poultry diseases such as Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, or mycoplasmosis.

Controlling the Spread

Avian Influenza control strategies are designed to prevent, manage, or completely eradicate the infection from the farm. The following key measures may play a vital role in effective disease control of Avian influenza-

Biosecurity (Exclusion and Inclusion):

Implementing strict measures to prevent contact between infected or wild birds and healthy poultry via proper fencing, limiting access to poultry farms, and ensuring hygiene practices for visitors and farm surfaces, equipment, and facilities to eliminate potential virus contamination.

Diagnostics and Surveillance:

Regular monitoring of poultry flocks for signs of illness, including testing for the avian influenza virus through sampling and laboratory analysis.

Elimination of AVIAN INFLUENZA Virus-Infected Poultry:

Humanely eliminating infected poultry and safely disposing of carcasses and contaminated materials to prevent further spread of the virus and environmental contamination.

Decreasing Host Susceptibility to the Virus (Vaccines and Host Genetics):

Developing and administering safe and effective vaccines and improving host resistance to the virus through selective breeding programs to protect poultry flocks from infection.

Education of all Personnel on Infectious Diseases and their Control:

Providing comprehensive training to poultry farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders involved in poultry production on proper biosecurity practices, disease recognition, and reporting procedures.

*References on request*

Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for protein. However, the sustainability and productivity of this sector are constantly threatened by parasitic infections. Among them, Argulus, commonly known as fish lice, is one of the most problematic ectoparasites affecting freshwater and ornamental fish worldwide. Argulus is a genus of crustacean parasites that attach to the skin, fins, and gills of fish, feeding on their blood and tissue fluids, causing Argulosis. In countries with intensive aquaculture practices, such as India, Bangladesh, and China, outbreaks of Argulus have been reported as one of the top reasons for reduced fish yields, particularly in carp culture.

Current Control Strategies:

Chemical Control

A series of chemicals with a problematic toxicity profile are well known in aquaculture, as they suffer from ectoparasitic infections. Organophosphates (e.g., trichlorfon, malathion, dichlorvos), lufenuron, emamectin benzoate, deltamethrin, sodium permanganate, formalin, diflubenzuron, etc., are commonly used chemicals for the control of Argulus infestation in fishes.

Mechanical Control

In addition to chemicals, physical methods such as shaking infested fish in nets to mechanically detach lice, along with egg removal through drying or substrate manipulation (e.g., bamboo-egg boards), help to reduce infestation pressure.

Biological Control

Biological control strategies utilize natural predator–prey relationships to manage ectoparasites like Argulus. In tropical aquaculture, fish such as Gambusia have been noted to feed on free-swimming Argulus larvae, while other small fish actively remove parasites from the skin of larger hosts.

Limitations of Current Control Strategies:

1. Synthetic chemicals have been used to control this ectoparasite. However, they will have an impact on physiological changes, fish growth, and the balance of aquatic ecosystems because they can leave residues that can enter environmental components. The active ingredients are very difficult to decompose in nature, and resistance can occur in target parasites. In addition, it can cause residue accumulation in the body of the fish.
2. Mechanical approaches are labor-intensive and not always sustainable.
3. Though biological control methods are eco-friendly and reduce the reliance on chemicals, they come with several limitations. One major challenge is the seasonal effectiveness of cleaner species—fish like wrasse are less active during colder months, reducing their efficiency in parasite removal.

These limitations highlight the growing interest in exploring eco-friendly, sustainable, and effective natural alternatives to control this parasite.

Plant-Based Alternative to Control Argulosis:

Alternatives for controlling argulosis in fish farming can use medicinal ingredients derived from herbal plants. Pharmacologically, these herbs have therapeutic effects as antibacterials, antiparasitics, and immunostimulants. Numerous applications of medicinal plants as alternative medicine for treating Argulosis in fish have been carried out. The ability of plants to control this disease is due to the presence of natural products in the form of chemical compounds in organic form, so they are safe to use and do not pose a risk that is harmful to fish, to humans who consume them or to the environment and do not cause resistance to parasites.

Dehook is a natural solution for relieving Argulus infestation in aquatic animals, offering a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments. Know more about Dehook at Vinayak Ingredients (India) Private Limited.

*References on request*