Livestock

Several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia.(Image credit: WHO)

The recent confirmation of Nipah virus cases in eastern India has brought renewed attention to one of the world’s most dangerous zoonotic diseases.

Although health officials have confirmed that the outbreak is limited and under control, anxiety is growing among farmers and livestock owners who depend on healthy animals for their livelihoods. A key concern is whether Nipah virus can affect farm animals such as cows and buffalo, and whether agriculture could face indirect losses.

Nipah virus belongs to the Henipavirus family and was first identified during the 1998–99 outbreak in Malaysia. That event highlighted how animal to human transmission can accelerate infections, particularly when livestock are involved. Since then, several outbreaks have been reported across South and Southeast Asia, including India, often with severe consequences for human health.

Fruit bats of the Pteropus species are known to be the natural hosts of the virus. These bats do not show symptoms but shed the virus through saliva, urine and droppings. Humans may become infected by consuming contaminated food, coming into contact with infected animals or through close contact with infected people. In humans, illness can range from mild fever to severe respiratory distress and encephalitis, with fatality rates reported between 40 and 75 percent.

For the farming community, the most pressing question is the risk to cattle and buffalo. Current scientific evidence shows that pigs are the only confirmed domestic animals that can amplify and spread Nipah virus. While antibodies have been detected in some animals like goats, horses and pets, there is no confirmed evidence of natural infection or disease in cows or buffalo. Importantly, no human Nipah cases have ever been linked directly to cattle or dairy animals.

However, India’s mixed farming systems mean humans, livestock and wildlife often share the same spaces. Fruit bats may contaminate fodder, grazing land or water sources. Even if cattle do not become ill, they could unintentionally carry contaminated material closer to people.

Experts stress that there is no need for panic. Milk and meat from healthy animals remain safe, and no restrictions have been placed on livestock trade. Simple hygiene, protected feed storage and awareness are key. As environmental change brings people and wildlife closer together, Nipah virus serves as a reminder that animal health and human health are deeply connected.

Genesys drives poultry innovation in Asia (Image credit: Genesys )

Across Asia, poultry producers have been steadily moving towards more advanced systems, with gender sorting becoming an essential part of modern hatchery operations

Traditionally done by hand, this process has long supported export requirements, where uniformity and precise weight standards are critical. However, the industry is now facing growing pressure due to labour shortages and uneven manual accuracy.

In response, Ceva Santé Animale has expanded the use of its Genesys solution across the region. Designed for today’s high demand hatcheries, Genesys offers a reliable way to automate gender sorting while improving consistency and efficiency. Its ability to integrate smoothly into existing systems and handle large scale production makes it particularly suited to Asian markets.

Accurate gender sorting brings clear advantages. Since male and female broilers grow at different rates, separating them early allows farmers to fine tune feeding plans and manage processing schedules more effectively. This leads to better flock uniformity, improved processing outcomes, and reduced waste across the value chain.

The growing importance of this technology was evident during the Gender Sorting Symposium held in Singapore on 24 and 25 March 2026. The event brought together hatchery managers, farm operators, nutrition experts, and processing specialists, all focused on improving performance in poultry production. Discussions highlighted how precise sorting at the hatchery stage can influence everything from animal welfare to final product quality.

Genesys stood out during the event for its dependable performance at industrial scale. It was recognised for delivering consistent results, supporting efficient workflows, and helping producers reduce losses while improving sustainability. These qualities have positioned it as a trusted option for hatcheries aiming to modernise their operations.

The overall message from the region is clear. Asian poultry producers are embracing smarter and more predictable systems to meet rising demand and stricter standards. With continued adoption of technologies like Genesys, the industry is moving towards a more efficient and sustainable future.

Smarter water care arrives with EDIE Generation 2 for livestock and poultry farms. (Image credit: Kemin Industries)

Kemin Industries has unveiled its latest innovation, EDIE Generation 2, a modern system designed to improve water disinfection across livestock and poultry operations 

This new solution reflects a growing shift towards smarter and more connected farm management tools.

Built to simplify everyday operations, EDIE Generation 2 brings together automation, live monitoring, and seamless connectivity in one easy to use platform. The system allows farmers and operators to manage water quality with greater precision while reducing the need for constant manual checks. By doing so, it supports both animal wellbeing and overall farm productivity.

"Water quality plays a critical role in animal health and operational productivity," said Dillon Mellick of Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health. "With EDIE Generation 2, we are delivering connected intelligence that helps producers manage water disinfection more precisely, more efficiently, and with greater confidence."

The system works directly within the water line, tracking chlorine dioxide levels and offering optional readings such as pH and oxidation reduction potential. This gives users a clear and immediate view of water conditions, helping them respond quickly when adjustments are needed.

In addition to monitoring, EDIE Generation 2 records key data such as water usage, dosing patterns, and equipment performance. It also connects to a mobile app, allowing users to check updates and receive alerts remotely. Built in sensors notify staff when chemical levels are low, while a refined controller with a clear display makes operation straightforward.

Designed to work alongside PRO OXINE AH, Kemin’s chlorine dioxide disinfectant, the system delivers consistent and reliable application without the need for manual mixing. It can also be added to existing setups, making it a flexible option for farms looking to upgrade.

With this launch, Kemin continues to focus on practical solutions that improve farm hygiene and strengthen biosecurity through smarter water management.

Strengthening poultry health with MEVAC MULTI ADENO (Image credit: Kemin Industries)

MEVAC MULTI ADENO is designed to support poultry health by protecting chickens against serious viral infections that can affect productivity and survival

This inactivated tetravalent vaccine targets key strains of Fowl Adenovirus infection, which are widely present in poultry populations and linked to conditions such as Inclusion Body Hepatitis and Hydropericardium Syndrome.

Fowl adenoviruses are known to exist in multiple forms, grouped into several species and serotypes. These viruses can lead to a range of health issues in chickens, from respiratory problems to severe liver damage. Among them, inclusion body hepatitis is particularly concerning, as it affects both broilers and layers and can lead to noticeable losses on farms. Birds suffering from this condition may show signs such as reduced appetite, lethargy, increased water intake, and diarrhoea, along with higher mortality.

This vaccine works by preparing the bird’s immune system to respond effectively to infection. It contains inactivated strains of adenovirus linked to the most common disease causing types, helping to reduce both clinical symptoms and death rates. It is intended for use in chickens and can be given from seven days of age, depending on veterinary guidance.

The recommended dose is 0.5 ml per bird, administered either under the skin in the lower neck area or into the muscle of the thigh or breast. Proper handling is important, including shaking the bottle before use and ensuring sterile equipment is used during administration.

Care should be taken not to vaccinate birds that are already unwell or immunocompromised. The product should also not be mixed with other veterinary medicines. While no adverse effects have been reported even at higher doses, its safety during the laying period has not been fully confirmed.

To maintain effectiveness, the vaccine must be stored between 2°C and 8°C, away from direct sunlight, and must not be frozen. Once opened, it should be used within three hours.

Overall, MEVAC MULTI ADENO offers a practical approach to managing viral challenges in poultry, helping farmers maintain healthier flocks and more stable production.