This work investigates the effects of structural modifications on the welfare level and laying patterns of hens in a three-tier commercial aviary system. Four experimental groups were used: C (control, housed in a traditional aviary); LM (longitudinal movement, in which internal partitions were removed); VM (vertical movement, in which ramps were installed); and FM (freedom of movement, both LM and VM modifications). Hens showed worse body condition scores (p < 0.05) in all the modified aviaries, while plumage condition was improved in FM but worsened in VM (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed on egg deposition patterns, egg quality or keel bone damage. When ramps were available (VM and FM groups), hens reduced the number of flights and increased the number of walks from 0.52 to 7.7% of the displacements on average (p < 0.05). Apart from some feather pecking concerns in VM (likely due to overcrowding in some favourite aviary areas), LM and FM seemed to facilitate animal movement and promote species–specific behaviour. It is concluded that hen welfare in aviary systems can be improved by means of tailored structural modifications. Producers may therefore adopt some of these modifications (providing ramps and/or removing vertical barriers) to enhance the welfare of hens.

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), which circulate endemically in wild aquatic birds, pose a significant threat to poultry and raise concerns for their zoonotic potential. From August 2021 to April 2022, a multi-site cross-sectional study involving active AIV epidemiological monitoring was conducted in wetlands of the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, adjacent to densely populated poultry areas. A total of 129 cloacal swab samples (CSs) and 407 avian faecal droppings samples (FDs) were collected, with 7 CSs (5.4%) and 4 FDs (1%) testing positive for the AIV matrix gene through rRT-PCR. A COI-barcoding protocol was applied to recognize the species of origin of AIV-positive FDs. Multiple low-pathogenic AIV subtypes were identified, and five of these were isolated, including an H5N3, an H1N1, and three H9N2 in wild ducks. Following whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses of the hereby obtained strains showed close genetic relationships with AIVs detected in countries along the Black Sea/Mediterranean migratory flyway. Notably, none of the analyzed gene segments were genetically related to HPAI H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Italian poultry during the concurrent 2021–2022 epidemic. Overall, the detected AIV genetic diversity emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring in wild hosts using diverse sampling strategies and whole-genome sequencing.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) survey was performed at an amateur parrot breeding facility in Italy to investigate the presence and molecular characteristics of adenoviruses. Eighty psittacine birds, belonging to seven parrot species, were sampled by cloacal swabs; in addition, 15 livers were collected from specimens that were found dead. Seventy-two out of 95 samples collected were positive for adenoviruses, with a prevalence rate of 75.8%. All seven psittacine species tested positive for at least one genus of the family Adenoviridae; notably, adenoviral infection was found for the first time in the hooded parrot (Psephotellus dissimilis). Based on the sequences and phylogenetic analysis, 57 sequences were psittacine adenovirus 2, seven sequences were duck adenovirus 1 and two sequences were identified as psittacine adenovirus 5. The six remaining sequences showed low nucleotide and amino acid identity with the reference strains of accepted species or types, revealing the presence of novel adenoviruses belonging to the genera Aviadenovirus, Barthadenovirus and Siadenovirus. There were identical adenovirus sequences in both apparently healthy and dead birds suggesting that further investigation into the role and impact of these viruses on the health of psittacine birds is warranted.

Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), caused by Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), remains a major threat to poultry industry worldwide, leading to immunosuppression, secondary infections, and resulting in economic losses. This study reports the molecular characterisation and phylogenetic classification of IBDV strains circulating in broilers from different Kenyan counties. Between 2022 and 2024, 44 broiler flocks (19-31 days old) suspected of IBD and vaccinated with an immunocomplex vaccine were sampled across six Kenyan counties. Bursal imprints on QIAcard FTA™ Classic were analysed by RT-PCR targeting the VP2 gene (segment A). Positive samples were further characterised by amplification and sequencing of the VP1 gene (segment B). IBDV was detected in 24/44 clinically suspected flocks (54.5%; 95% CI: 39.7-68.6%) submitted for molecular testing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 23 of these belonged to genotype A3B2 (very virulent IBDV, vvIBDV) and were closely related to strains circulating in Sub-Saharan Africa, while one detection matched the applied vaccine strain. Amino acid analysis confirmed conserved virulence markers in vvIBDV: A222, I242, Q253, I256, D279, I294, S299, and the serine-rich heptapeptide SWSASGS (aa 326-332) in segment A, as well as the TDN motif (aa 145-147) in segment B. Unique African mutations (S254 and A/Q300 in segment A) were also identified. To our knowledge, this represents the first report on the molecular characteristics of IBDV strains circulating in Kenyan broilers. The predominance of vvIBDV highlights the persistent challenge posed by highly virulent strains in Africa, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring, enhanced biosecurity, and more effective vaccination strategies.