Targeted viruses known as bacteriophages could provide the poultry industry with a way to target specific detrimental bacterial strains, like E. coli and Salmonella.
"We created an algorithm that analyzed the genome of the bacteria to identify small differences and understand specific stereotypes, antibiotic resistance, and pathology," said Hans Pieringer, CEO, PhageLab.
The system can identify which bacterial strains are most adapted to specific farm conditions, creating a comprehensive risk map for producers.
At the 2025 Poultry Tech Summit, Pieringer will preview a biotechnology platform that integrates molecular diagnostics, artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive maintenance to detect, design and scale highly specific bacteriophage (phage) solutions for the poultry industry.
The Poultry Tech Summit, scheduled for November 3-5, 2025, at the Atlanta Airport Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia, brings together inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, poultry industry professionals and established technology providers to discuss challenges and solutions for all aspects of the poultry supply chain.
Registration for this event is now open. Early bird savings are available until September 30th.
An adaptive approach to pathogen control
The platform creates custom-made phage cocktails to eliminate specific bacterial strains affecting poultry operations. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all approaches, the technology analyzes the unique bacterial profile of each farm to deliver targeted solutions in less than 30 days.
In addition, it is designed to evolve with changing bacterial populations. Phage cocktails can be continuously updated to address new strains and variants. This approach includes ongoing monitoring and support, with customers able to send samples from unusual mortality events for immediate analysis.
“We’re not offering a one-size-fits-all solution,” Pieringer explained. “Pathogens adapt quickly, and so must our tools. That’s why we’ve built our system to be both responsive and precise.”
Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, phages can selectively target pathogenic bacteria without disrupting beneficial microbiota, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and promoting healthier flocks.
The platform is currently in use in Brazil, with aims to expand to the U.S. market.
Attend the 2025 Poultry Tech Summit
The Poultry Tech Summit will return as an in-person event on November 3-5, 2025, at the Atlanta Airport Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia. The Poultry Tech Summit brings together inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, poultry industry professionals and established technology providers to discuss challenges and solutions for all aspects of the poultry supply chain. The event focuses on the transition of innovative technologies from researchers and entrepreneurs into commercial applications for the benefit of the poultry industry.
NEW in 2025, Poultry Tech Summit will be held in collaboration with the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs (US-RSPE) annual meeting held November 5, 2025.
Registration for the 2025 Poultry Tech Summit is now open. For more information, go to www.poultrytechsummit.com.
