Canada invests in poultry anti-microbial development
A Canadian biotechnology company has been awarded a $3.4 million government investment to help develop a new line of anti-microbial feed additives to help control disease outbreaks in poultry flocks, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have reported.
AbCelex, which focuses on developing livestock food additives that help improve animal health and food safety, is developing a line of innovative non-antibiotic, non-hormonal additives that are specifically targeted at Campylobacter and Salmonella, 2 of the most common food-borne bacteria that infect poultry.
Healthier poultry
The new anti-microbials – called ‘nanobodies’ – will result in healthier poultry and improve food safety. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the International Vaccine Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Toronto and the Colorado Quality Research Inc.
Funding for the project comes from the AgriInnovation Program (Research and Development Stream) as part of the Growing Forward 2 agricultural policy framework.
Reducing the use of antibiotics
“Our Government is committed to positioning Canada as a global leader for innovation – one that creates well-paying jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This announcement is a prime example of that priority in action: these innovations will reduce the use of antibiotics and result in safer food, a healthier population and a more productive agricultural economy,” stated Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Dr Saeid Babaei, president & CEO of AbCelex Technologies said, “We are very appreciative to be a recipient of this important funding. With this visionary contribution and other strategic investments, AbCelex Technologies is well positioned to advance its platform technology and develop next-generation biological products needed for improved human health and a reduction in healthcare costs as a result of food contamination.”
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