In practical poultry production we have to confronted with 3 different types of poultry populations i.e. broilers, layers and breeders. Innate immune response is almost same in all 3 groups but secondary immune system is not well developed in broilers followed by breeders than layers. In other words layers are most immunocompetent among all at same corrected age level.
It has been determined in comparative studies between broilers and layers that layers are far better responded to foreign antigen introduction than broilers. It is seen that antibody production depends upon various factors and among them one of the most important factor is CD4+/CD8+ cells ratio.
Lower the ratio, lower will be antibody production. This ratio is found lower than threshold in broilers that’s why even lighter attenuated vaccines causes reactions in broiler birds and sometimes enhanced primary immune response is seen.
Sound problem in broilers
One can observe this when live attenuated ND vaccine is given to broilers after 3 weeks of age sustained sound problem (respiratory rales) is often seen, that is due to mild to moderate immune reaction. This reaction increases mucous secretion in trachea/bronchi and constrict bronchial tube, when air flows over it peculiar respiratory sound is heard. However, in certain researches antioxidant supplementation increases CD4+/CD8+ ratio in broilers which could improve secondary immune response during early age.
Ratio of helper & cytotoxic lymphocytes
CD4 helper/inducer cells and CD8 cytotoxic/suppressor cells are 2 phenotypes of T lymphocytes, characterized by distinct surface markers and functions that mostly reside in lymph nodes but also circulate in the blood. The normal CD4/CD8 ratio in healthy hosts is poorly defined. Ratios between 0.5 and 1.1 are generally considered normal; however, a wide heterogeneity exists because sex, age, exposures, and infections may all impact the ratio.
So, the crux is that, mainly the population of helper T-cells decides strength of secondary immune system in poultry birds and controlled regulation of non-specific immune response decides survival during viral outbreaks.
Viral Outbreaks in Poultry and Their Management
Herbal products against viral outbreaks – An Investigation
Why antibiotics do increases mortality in viral outbreaks?
Why vaccine failure occurs in poultry?
Immunology of Poultry Birds – Basics of Avian Immunology
Ethnoveterinary Medicine (EVM) and Viral Challenges in Poultry – Lessons from Field
Phytobiotics as strategic antiviral compounds – an advanced herbal science
Warning
Do not go for every herbal-labelled product that claims successful treatment
This is just an example that how we can explore potential antiviral herbs. During the above exploration, I came across many surprisingly unique points of avian immunology along with herbs and molecules that could effectively regulate it. With the help of the above information, I designed a product named VIROCON a few years back which controls mortalities in severe viral outbreaks. I mean it is really possible to save birds sometimes through knowledge of immunology and special intervention in the light of scientific evidence.
Note: above-quoted information is my own opinion backed by proven research and available scientific knowledge. Viral diseases in poultry is a non-ending subject in which research is going on and according to some experts, we do not even know 50% of all the diseases affecting poultry. New emerging viral diseases and modifications in existing strains make it more difficult to treat and control viral outbreaks by poultry health service providers. This is not the end of the document, I am exploring new things and adding to this document in future, INSHALLAH.
Dr Ibne Ali running ‘Ali Veterinary Wisdom’ with the sole purpose of educating poultry and livestock farmers. We try to help farmers by advising them during disease outbreaks, regarding the prevention of viral diseases, biosecurity planning, feed formulation, toxicity management and farm auditing.
