Linking the immune system and the biosecurity system in poultry
Dr. Majid Hamid Al-Sayegh/ Australia
A detailed study on, linking the immune system and the biosecurity system in poultry
Introduction
The poultry industry is one of the vital sectors in the field of food production worldwide, but it faces many challenges due to infectious diseases that may negatively affect the health and production of poultry. The immune system in poultry plays an important role in defending the body against pathogens, while the biosecurity system is an essential element to protect poultry from infection with these factors. The relationship between the immune system and the biosecurity system is complex, as both systems work in an integrated manner to ensure the health of poultry and the continuity of their productivity. This report aims to study the relationship between the immune system and the biosecurity system in poultry, and how to support this relationship to combat diseases and protect the health of the flock.
An overview of the immune system in poultry
The immune system in poultry is complex and consists of two main parts: innate immunity and acquired immunity, both of which play a fundamental role in defending the body against pathogens.
First: Innate immunity, which consists of:
Physical barriers: These are the first line of defense against pathogens, such as the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory system and digestive system, as they prevent pathogens from entering the body.
Cellular defenses: These include immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils that engulf and destroy pathogens, in addition to dendritic cells that stimulate the immune response.
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs): These receptors recognize molecular patterns associated with pathogens (PAMPs) and activate a primary immune response.
Inflammation: The inflammatory response helps attract immune cells to infection sites to contain pathogens.
Second: Acquired immunity, which consists of:
B cells and antibodies: The immune system produces antibodies that target pathogens. In poultry, the main antibodies are (IgY), which play an important role in neutralizing pathogens and providing passive immunity to chicks through eggs.
T cells: Helper T cells (Th) help activate other immune cells, while cytotoxic T cells (Tc) eliminate infected cells.
Muscular immunity: This includes gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which forms the first line of defense against pathogens entering through the gastrointestinal tract.
Challenges facing the immune system:
- Pathogen burden: The abundance of pathogens such as mycoplasma and avian influenza can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system.
- Environmental stress: Factors such as overcrowding, climate fluctuations and poor nutrition can lead to a weakened immune system response.
- Biosecurity systems in poultry: Definition and basic principles
Biosecurity refers to a set of preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of introducing and spreading infectious diseases in poultry farms. These measures are essential to maintaining the health of the flock and protecting it from pathogens.
Key components of a biosecurity system:
- Control of access to the farm: This includes reducing the movement of people, vehicles and tools between farms to avoid the transmission of diseases.
- Health monitoring and early detection: Continuous monitoring of poultry health helps in early detection of diseases, which contributes to the implementation of preventive measures such as quarantine and vaccination.
- Hygiene and disinfection: Regular cleaning of farms and equipment is important to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
- Feed and water safety: Ensuring that feed and water are not contaminated is an essential step in preventing the transmission of diseases.
- Quarantine and isolation: New or infected poultry should be isolated for a period of time to ensure that they are free from infectious diseases.
- Vaccination: Vaccinating poultry against common diseases, such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, enhances immunity and reduces the risk of disease outbreaks.
Challenges facing the implementation of biosecurity:
- Emerging diseases: such as avian influenza and new strains of mycoplasma, which may evolve continuously, making it difficult to find effective vaccines.
- Increased trade: The global movement of poultry and its products poses a major threat in introducing pathogens.
- Financial constraints: Some poultry farms face difficulties in implementing biosecurity measures due to lack of financial resources.
Linking the immune system and the biosecurity system
Biosecurity and the immune system of poultry form an integrated system where each complements the other in maintaining the health of the flock. While the immune system relies on recognizing and reacting to pathogens, biosecurity helps reduce the exposure of poultry to these agents.
How biosecurity enhances the function of the immune system:
- Preventing exposure to pathogens: By reducing exposure to pathogens, the immune system is not overstressed, allowing it to respond more effectively when it needs to.
- Reducing stress: Implementing biosecurity practices, such as improving the living environment and reducing overcrowding, helps reduce stress on poultry, which contributes to improving the immune system’s response.
- Improving vaccination effectiveness: By ensuring a safe and pathogen-free environment, the immune system can respond better to vaccinations.
Conclusion
Linking the immune system and the biosecurity system in poultry reflects the importance of the combined work of natural and protective defenses to ensure flock health. Effective implementation of biosecurity practices enhances the immune system’s ability to cope with disease challenges and ensures a strong immune response against infectious diseases. By strengthening this relationship, the risk of disease can be reduced and the health of poultry can be better protected.
