Control of Colibacillosis in the Egg-laying Industry in Quebec : Optimization of the Oxytetracycline Dosage Regimen and Use of Alternative Approaches

There are no studies on the optimization of antimicrobial dosage regimens (dose, duration of treatment, route of administration, etc.) in laying hens in Quebec. In addition, very few studies have evaluated the antibacterial activity of alternative approaches to the use of antimicrobials in this production.

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is the only antimicrobial approved for the treatment of colibacillosis (caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli) in laying hens in Quebec, but clinical and bacteriological data allowing a more judicious use of this antibiotic in the egg-laying sector are lacking. Thus, this partnership aims to optimize the dosage regimen of OTC in laying hens in Quebec, while evaluating the antibacterial activity of certain alternative approaches in the treatment of this bacterial infection. 

This project will allow the Fédération des producteurs d'œufs du Québec (FPOQ) to significantly reduce the economic losses associated with the non-commercialization of eggs during the OTC treatment period, while preserving the longevity and efficacy of this valuable antibiotic for this sector.

This project will also allow the other two partners, Larvatria Inc. and PHOTOSYNTHESE, to validate the antibacterial activity of insect proteins and phytoderivatives (mix of essential oils) respectively, in reducing both the incidence of colibacillosis and the use of OTC in the treatment of colibacillosis.

This partnership is perfectly in line with the vision of the Stratégie québécoise de santé et de bien-être des animaux to develop antibiotic governance in the bio-food sector in Quebec.