H5N1 in Australia and why wild birds matter to poultry

DOCTOR Lee Campbell is a comparative immunologist whose research investigates how Australian wildlife species respond to different pathogens. Her background includes research in avian immunology and avian influenza, including host responses to highly and low pathogenic avian influenza viruses. She is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of…

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Stronger mouse baits offer hope as rodent pressure escalates across Australian farming regions

ABOVE: Rodent outbreaks can create major biosecurity, feed contamination and infrastructure risks for intensive livestock operations. AUSTRALIAN producers are being urged to remain vigilant as severe mouse activity continues across key agricultural regions, particularly in Western and central Australia, with experts warning the economic and operational impacts extend well beyond grain production. For poultry farmers…

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Litter project findings bed down pivotal industry investments

ABOVE: Research into foundational resource underpins optimal welfare, production and environmental outcomes. A MAJOR body of research investigating various aspects of sourcing, management, reuse and disposal is underpinning the successful utilisation of one of the Australian chicken meat industry’s largest operational investments – litter. Litter is the material used on the floor in meat chicken…

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Broiler preference for evenly spaced shade

ABOVE: Free-range chickens showed a preference for range areas in which the shade structures were evenly distributed. Photo: Inghams A recent study in Australia has revealed that free-range chickens prefer outdoor areas where shade is evenly distributed. This important research is part of a collaborative project aimed at enhancing the welfare of chickens in free-range…

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Australian meat chickens need change

ABOVE: Inside Better Chicken Commitment-compliant farms in the UK. Photos: RSPCA UK Since launching in July, the Better Chicken Australia campaign has reached tens of thousands of Australian chicken consumers across social media and news outlets with the call for higher welfare standards. The campaign promotes the globally recognised Better Chicken Commitment as a way…

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