New Generation Stabilizers Seen to Reduce Salmonella Risk
(Reuters, Aug 27, 2010) – “Bacteria found in chicken feed used at two Iowa farms has been linked to a salmonella outbreak that prompted the recall of more than a half billion contaminated eggs, U.S. regulators said on Thursday. The outbreak, largest since the 1970s, may be linked to almost 2,400 cases of salmonella-related illnesses around 
the country since May 1, although at least 930 such cases are reported during this time frame on an average year. The massive egg recalls came weeks after a new FDA rule took effect that tightened safety rules at large producers and required testing in poultry houses for salmonella bacteria.”
Earlier health concerns prompted overseas regulators to take action, scrutinizing farm inputs that increase the risk of bacterial contamination. FDA also recently launched proposals to control bacterial adulteration in feed, aiming to reduce the hazards to the public. Products of animal origin, such as meat meal, blood meal and milk products are increasingly viewed as potential health risks. In response to the threat of contamination, poultry farms in the U.S. have proactively analyzed their hazards. They are aggressively removing animal-based products from feed formulas, and they have embraced alternatives to milk-based vaccine stabilizers as a way to reduce exposure.
Historically, poultry veterinarians added first-generation milk-based stabilizers to drinking water in a cocktail with live vaccines to protect the vaccines and prolong their effectiveness. More recently a family of new-generation stabilizers, manufactured to exclude products of animal origin, has improved vaccine success while eliminating microbiological risk. Poultry operations are adopting the new technology to positively impact bird health and remove the hazards associated with birds consuming milk powder. The Vac-Pac Plus® 
line of vaccine stabilizers, from Animal Science Products, resourcefully addresses poultry safety from several angles. While freedom from animal by-products is important, Vac-Pac Plus also guards flock health by shielding vaccines from multiple threats, among them threats from oxidation, tonic imbalance, and stray pH. Greater solubility and higher concentration also makes Vac-Pac Plus more convenient to use than older, obsolete milk-based products. The instantly-soluble powder nurtures both viral and bacterial antigens without the time-delays and harmful effects of effervescent tablets.
Poultry companies increasingly know they are in the safety business and are taking action to safeguard their customers. Keep consumers safe with healthier flocks, keep flocks safe with effective vaccines, and keep vaccines safe with Vac-Pac Plus.
New-generation stabilizers are available for drinking water, spray and eye-drop application. More information on management practices to protect your vaccine and bird investment can be found in our Vaccine Science Management Guide