Canada invests in antibiotic alternative for poultry

A Canadian University aims to develop and commercialise a novel technology that delivers an immunity-boosting aerosol protectant to chickens as an alternative to antibiotics.

A $400,000 investment in the project was announced by the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

“Poultry industry is a major force”

“The poultry industry is a major force within the Canadian economy. Our Government is proud to support the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine in developing an alternative to antibiotics that will address a significant productivity issue for the poultry industry,” said the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

This project supports a multi-regional partnership with poultry farms based in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and engages highly qualified personnel in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia as well as industry associations from both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Effective tool

Karen Chad, vice-president research, University of Saskatchewan, commented: “Based on years of research, U of S veterinary pathologist Dr. Susantha Gomis and his collaborators have developed an innovative idea for treating bacterial infections in chickens that will provide Canadian poultry producers with another effective tool in their flock health kit. It’s exciting research that will have significant impact in strengthening Canada’s agriculture industry.”