Shift to cage-free egg production prompts need to revise health and management plans

Vaccinations and other preventative health measures are more critical than ever as the egg industry shifts toward cage-free and no-antibiotics-ever production, according to an industry expert.

Hy-Line International’s Ian Rubinoff, DVM, said the decision by major retailers to switch to cage-free production systems by 2025 has increased health and management challenges for producers.

Coupled with growing pressure to use fewer antibiotics — and in some cases none at all — means producers need to be more proactive than ever in handling bird health and welfare, he said.

For the full story, click here.