How to use essential oils to mitigate the risks of respiratory colibacilosis

The avian respiratory system has a unique structure that provides the birds the most efficient respiration among all terrestrial vertebrates. It is essential to allow flight, a highly energetic activity that requires a fast metabolism together with a remarkably effective oxygen supply. The respiratory system in birds consists of a paired static lungs, where the gas exchange happens, and connected air sacs that expand and contract, moving the air through the lungs.

As we explained in this post, the air flow in birds is unidirectional, meaning that the air moving through the lungs is always fresh, making more oxygen available to diffuse into blood. In contrast, the air flow in mammals is bidirectional, mammalian lungs contain a mixture of fresh and old air, with less oxygen available. 

The special anatomy of the avian respiratory tract makes respiration extremely efficient but at the same time increases bird’s exposure to airborne pathogens:

The inhalation of contaminated dust is the main cause of respiratory infections by APEC: dust may contain 106 CFU of E. coli per gram. However, as we explained in the first article of this series, in despite of the bacterial load of dust, colibacilosis happens only when the birds are debilitated, so respiratory infections by APEC take place after a respiratory stress that damages the natural defense mechanisms, in example:

Generally speaking, any agent that lowers the activity of the immune system, induces an overproduction of mucus, damages the respiratory mucosa or impairs the function of the respiratory cilia is considered a risk factor for respiratory colibacilosis. More information about the key role of respiratory cilia here.

Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli can cause respiratory infections by itself in immunocompromised or stressed animals (colisepticemia) or occur together with other bacteria, fungi or viruses (Chronic Respiratory Disease, Swollen Head Syndrome).

Colisepticemia is the most widespread infectious disease in commercial poultry operations.

During the development of colisepticemia, APEC firstly colonizes the trachea and the air sacs, secondly penetrates the respiratory epithelium or the gas exchange membranes and finally reaches the blood stream and causes septicemia (bacterial infection of the blood).

Affected animals show airsacculitis, pericarditis and perihepatitis, with the presence of yellowish exudates made of fibrin and pus. The infection of the heart may lead to cardiac failure. The infection may spread to other organs and lead to peritonitis, salpingitis, synovitis or arthritis.

Infection happens mainly due to inhalation of contaminated dust, as described above, but it can also start as a result of a digestive or navel infection, vertical transmission or after the intake of contaminated feed or water. More information n the routes of transmission of APEC here.

Colisepticemia affects poultry of all ages. It causes depression, fever, respiratory signs such as coughing or sneezing and poor growth. Mortality ranges from 5 to 20%.

It is treated with antibiotics, but APEC strains are becoming increasingly resistant to drugs.

Chronic respiratory disease (CRD) is a common disease of the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum. CRD develops slowly in the flocks, causing progressive and chronic respiratory signs such as airsacculitis, tracheitis, sinusitis, nasal discharge, sneezing, gaping, and coughing.

Secondary infection by APEC further complicates the outcome of the disease and may lead to severe losses.

Swollen head syndrome is an acute, highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract. The main causative agent is a avian pneumovirus. APEC is involved in secondary infections.

Swollen head syndrome affects mainly broilers after the 4th week of age and broiler breeders around the peak of laying.

Affected animals show respiratory signs like sneezing and coughing followed by conjunctivitis and swelling of the head. Mortality ranges from 1 to 10%.

Essential oils are part of a holistic plan to prevent respiratory diseases caused by APEC.

Certain essential oils inhibit the growth of fecal bacteria that are involved in transforming proteins into ammonia. When administered through drinking water, these essential oils help to keep environmental ammonia levels under control. More information here.

On the other hand, essential oils can be sprayed in the environment of the farm and reduce the amount of E. coli present in the dust and in the surfaces, as we demonstrated in this experiment.

As we have explained above, the functioning of the respiratory cilia is key to prevent the arrival of APEC into the posterior air sacs. Certain essential oils speed up the ciliary beat frequency up to 20%, improving the physiological cleaning up of the respiratory airways. Essential oils are can also protect the integrity of respiratory cilia in the presence of pathogens such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum and respiratory virus.

On the other hand, the administration of essential oils enhances the functioning of the immune system (activity of immune cells, antibody production).

We demonstrated that essential oils are effective against Mycoplasma gallisepticum and E. coli in vitro.

More importantly, in farms with a history of respiratory diseases, the inclusion of essential oils in routine health programs reduces mortality, increases meat production, and boosts economic benefits.

Certain essential oils have natural antistress, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and expectorant properties . They give a pleasant refreshing feeling to the animals, promoting feed and water intake.

In animals affected by respiratory infections, given together with pharmacological treatments, essential oils promote recovery, easy breathing, stimulate feed intake and reduce mortality.

On the other hand, given after vaccinations with live vaccines, essential oils reduce the secondary reactions, such as respiratory signs, increase of feed intake, and reduce the occurrence secondary infections by pathogens such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

PlusBreathe© contains essential oils with natural antiseptic, antioxidant, expectorant and mucolytic activity. It has a refreshing taste.

It is indicated in birds, ruminants, pigs and rabbits of all ages. It can also be nebulized in the farm environment. Contact us for more information about the use of the product.

PlusProtect Digestive© is intended to maintain and improve digestive health in birds, rabbits and aquatic species of all ages. It is given through drinking water and is formulated with synergistic ingredients:

-Essential oils with bactericidal and fungicidal activity -Immunostimulant and antioxidant essential oils -Plant extracts with prebiotic effect.