By: Henri E. Prasetyo, DVM, M.Vet*

Integrated Prevention Strategies for Broilers, Layers, and Breeders through Biosecurity, Health Programs, Management, and Nutrition.

Despite advancements in poultry technology, colibacillosis remains one of the most frequently encountered diseases in the field. Caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli, this disease often emerges unnoticed, gradually decreasing bird performance and ultimately leading to significant economic losses for farmers.

Colibacillosis affects not only broilers but also layers and breeders, manifesting in various forms. What makes this disease particularly complex is its multifactorial nature and its frequent role as a secondary infection, exploiting gaps in management, biosecurity, or general bird health.

Consequently, preventing colibacillosis cannot be done in isolation. It requires an integrated approach that encompasses biosecurity, health programs, husbandry management, and optimal nutritional management.

Upon closer inspection, E. coli is actually a common bacterium found in the farm environment and even within the digestive tract of chickens. However, under certain conditions, these bacteria can become pathogenic and cause disease.

In broilers, colibacillosis is often seen in the form of airsacculitis, pericarditis, perihepatitis, and septicemia. In layers and breeders, the impact can be broader, including decreased egg production, poor shell quality, egg peritonitis, and reduced fertility and hatchability. Stress, respiratory infections (IB, ND, AI, CRD), poor air quality in the house, and nutritional imbalances are the primary triggers for the development of colibacillosis.

Prevention and Control

Colibacillosis is a critical poultry disease that frequently appears as a secondary infection. Therefore, prevention and control strategies must be comprehensive, starting from strict biosecurity, environmental management, control of primary diseases, to monitoring and early detection.

Biosecurity remains the primary line of defense in preventing the entry and development of pathogenic E. coli on the farm. These efforts include traffic control by limiting the movement of people in the house area, implementing an all-in/all-out system where possible, using dedicated work clothes, footwear, and equipment, as well as routine disinfection of vehicles, tools, and egg trays. Disciplined biosecurity will reduce infection pressure right from the start of the production cycle.

This article is an excerpt from the Health section of Poultry Indonesia Magazine, February 2026 edition. Read the full story in the February 2026 Edition of Poultry Indonesia Magazine. To subscribe or for more information, contact: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com.

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