There is no doubt that the poultry industry in Egypt is facing numerous major challenges, including a decline in poultry meat prices that does not correspond to production costs, in addition to the virulence of viral diseases and the emergence of new strains, which have led to increased mortality rates on farms nationwide.

It has been observed that viral diseases become more virulent during the winter season compared with other seasons, due to several factors, the most important of which are:

The low level of equipment and preparation in many poultry houses, leading to poor control of environmental and management parameters inside the house.

Breeders’ focus on temperature regulation at the expense of ventilation, which results in respiratory diseases in the flock (such as Chronic Respiratory Disease), which in turn predisposes the flock to viral infections.

Improper intervention to solve Chronic Respiratory Disease problems by administering antibiotics randomly without conducting antimicrobial sensitivity testing prior to use.

The persistence of Chronic Respiratory Disease within the flock leads to significant immunosuppression, in addition to damaging the cilia lining the trachea, which constitute an important defense barrier against viruses.

Inadequate biosecurity measures during the production cycle or before its start, particularly insufficient disinfection of poultry houses, especially following an infected cycle.

Failure to maintain appropriate preventive distances between houses, leading to rapid disease spread.

Implementation of inappropriate vaccination programs and the generalization of certain programs across multiple houses in different regions—one of the common mistakes—despite the epidemiological specificity of each region and each house.

Dr. Mahmoud Abu Al-Maaref Mahmoud

Poultry Consultant, Qena Governorate

Director of Veterinary Care, Food Security Projects, Qena Governorate