Synbio Concept Proposes Microbiome-Based Biosecurity to Combat Avian Flu Crisis

The U.S. poultry industry faces a critical challenge as avian flu continues to devastate flocks nationwide, with over 166 million birds culled since 2022 and egg prices surging 237%. Synbio Concept is advocating for a transformative approach to biosecurity that moves beyond traditional reactive methods.

Current USDA biosecurity efforts, despite allocating $500 million, primarily focus on culling infected birds and using short-lived chemical disinfectants. The company proposes a comprehensive 4-Layer Defense System that leverages microbiome science to prevent disease transmission across multiple environmental vectors.

The proposed strategy addresses air quality, water systems, food and gut health, and waste management through probiotic and synbiotic treatments. By targeting these critical areas, the approach aims to build microbial resilience and reduce the likelihood of pathogen spread.

Synbio Concept recommends a 6-12 month federally supported pilot program that would integrate microbiome-based cleaning protocols into 100-500 poultry farms. This initiative could provide crucial data on the effectiveness of preventative biosecurity measures and potentially revolutionize how the agricultural sector manages disease outbreaks.

The proposed approach represents a significant shift from reactive to proactive disease management, potentially offering long-term solutions to the recurring avian flu crisis that has severely impacted food production and agricultural economics.