The poultry industry plays a major role in the emergence and spread of foodborne zoonotic diseases, particularly those associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These diseases pose substantial global public health challenges, and the increasing development of antimicrobial resistance further intensifies these concerns. In response, scientific efforts have expanded to develop and implement innovative technologies capable of mitigating the rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. Therapeutic bacteriophage supplementation has regained significant attention because it can selectively lyse specific bacteria, is cost-effective to produce, offers environmentally favorable characteristics, and provides several advantages over conventional antibiotics. Experimental studies have demonstrated that phage therapy is both safe and effective for controlling poultry-associated enteric pathogens. Phages can be applied at various stages of the poultry production chain, from rearing to processing and distribution, using multiple delivery strategies. Despite certain limitations, the targeted and well-regulated application of phage cocktails offers considerable potential as an alternative to antibiotics for managing MDR infections. The success of bacteriophage therapy depends on several factors, including the timing of administration, dosage, delivery method, and its integration with other therapeutic approaches. Therefore, developing a comprehensive understanding of bacteriophage utilization in poultry production is both timely and necessary. This review examines the applications, constraints, and future opportunities of phage therapy within the commercial poultry industry, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms through which bacteriophages control bacterial infections.
27 September 2025 in Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
This study examines the impact of vegetation structure on bird species richness and diversity across four urban parks in Chaoyang District, Beijing. Throughout the year, using the Point Count Method (PCM), a total of 68 bird species and 4279 individual observations were recorded, with surveys conducted across all four seasons to capture seasonal variations. The parks with more complex vegetation, such as those with a higher tree canopy cover of species like poplars, ginkgo, and Chinese pines, exhibited higher bird species richness. For example, Olympic Forest Park, with its dense vegetation structure, hosted 42 species, whereas parks with less diverse vegetation supported fewer species. An analysis using PERMANOVA revealed that bird communities in the four parks were significantly different from each other (F = 2.76, p = 0.04075), and every comparison between parks showed significant differences as well (p < 0.001). Variations in the arrangement and level of disturbance within different plant communities likely cause such differences. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified tree canopy cover and shrub density as key drivers of bird diversity. These findings underscore the importance of preserving urban green spaces, particularly those with a diverse range of native tree species, to conserve biodiversity and mitigate the adverse effects of urbanisation. Effective vegetation management strategies can enhance avian habitats and provide ecological and cultural benefits in urban environments.