Ceva Animal Health’s Layer Day 2025 delivered a sharp message to Malaysia’s poultry sector: combating Salmonella requires precision, partnership, and a dual-pronged approach.
Themed ‘Two Arms of Immunity’, the event urged the industry to move beyond conventional tactics and adopt a comprehensive strategy—combining live and inactivated vaccines to create a synergistic defense system.
The event brought together Malaysia’s top poultry professionals at Ames Hotel Melaka on July 10.
In the Malaysian context
The event’s symbolism—likened to using both arms for a perfect basketball shot—was more than metaphor. In Malaysia’s current climate of high feed costs, policy freezes, and persistent disease threats, a one-size-fits-all solution will not do.
Representatives from leading layer farms including Teo Seng, Lay Hong, Huat Lai, and LTP attended, affirming the importance of industry-wide collaboration in tackling biological and regulatory challenges.
Ceva’s veterinary experts, including Dr Gema Ramon and Dr Ng Kian Yiing, were led by Chin How Cheong, a Poultry Health Strategy Advisor.
His five-year review of local poultry operations painted a sobering picture. In 2022, Salmonella spp. was detected in 13.1% of layer chickens and E. coli in nearly 70%.
“This is a systemic issue,” he emphasized. “We’re not just fighting pathogens—we’re battling complacency and blind spots.”
Transmission routes often overlooked
One key concern: overlooked transmission routes. Dr Chin highlighted how insects like flies and darkling beetles in spreading Salmonella. Citing USDA data, he explained how just five infected flies could transmit the bacteria to 80% of a flock.
He also traced infection pathways from wild birds, rodents, and even human activity. His message was clear—control must include both internal immunity and external vigilance.
Ceva’s dual vaccine strategy combining Cevac Corymune 4K and 7K reflected a ‘less is more’ philosophy. Instead of numerous interventions, targeted solutions that stimulate both humoral and cellular responses can improve protection and reduce stress on flocks.
Biosecurity and monitoring
Beyond vaccines, speakers stressed that disease control cannot work in isolation. Biosecurity, pest management, and rigorous monitoring must be part of a farm’s daily rhythm.
Dr Chin’s core message resonated strongly: “No assumptions, no shortcuts—everything must be tested and verified.” Eliminate guesswork and adopt a zero-tolerance mindset toward harmful serotypes like enteritidis, pullorum, and typhimurium.
In a country with one of the highest per capita egg consumption globally, Malaysia’s layer industry produces 32 million eggs daily. Thus, the implications of Salmonella outbreaks are massive.
Layer Day 2025 was not just about science; it was about survival, reputation, and responsibility. Ceva’s message was clear: the time to act is now, with both arms forward.