How to Protect Poultry Respiratory Health and Improve Production Performance? In this new episode of the “Let’s Talk About Poultry” channel, we speak again with Joan Grau and Rocío Sánchez, poultry specialists at HIPRA Spain, to explain everything about the Avian Respiratory Complex (ARC) and the role of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), a silent threat on farms.

Among other key topics, the episode addresses the current situation of avian respiratory diseases in Spain, analyzing the most relevant viruses and bacteria, how they impact poultry operations, and why the ARC remains one of the main health challenges.

The role of aMPV in triggering and exacerbating ARC is explored in depth, explaining how this virus acts as a catalyst and complicates control measures, affecting both broiler and layer productions.

Another critical point is effective diagnosis and health monitoring, highlighting the importance of early detection, the most reliable tools, and how continuous monitoring contributes to outbreak prevention and maintaining flock health.

Finally, vaccination strategies tailored to each type of production are presented, detailing how to design vaccination programs based on production type and cycle length, with the goal of ensuring protection, welfare, and productivity in poultry farms.

Joan Grau Pla

Graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Veterinary pathologist and head of technical team at Pavo y Derivados SA from 2000 to 2021. A company specializing in the production of chicken, turkey, and eggs from heavy breeders. Technical Services Manager specialized in poultry at HIPRA Spain since 2021. 

Rocío Sánchez

Graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid and holds a Master’s degree in Food Safety from Camilo José Cela University. She has experience in production, ventilation systems, and the management of poultry facilities. She currently serves in Technical Services within the Poultry Business Unit at HIPRA Spain.