A specialized solution could replace antibiotics currently used to control Clostridium septicum in turkeys.
Endolysins are unique in the specificity of their targeting and work by bonding to the cell wall of the targeted pathogen. This quickly weakens the cell wall and causes the cell to burst and safely disintegrate.
"We can establish exactly how much endolysin, which is an antimicrobial enzyme, kills a specific amount of bacteria," Kane Miller, Ph.D., Axitan CIO and founder, explained. "It's a very defined process with extremely low resistance potential since it works from outside the cell, while most antibiotic resistance mechanisms are internal."
At the 2025 Poultry Tech Summit, Miller will share how endolysins could help improve the control of one of the major causative agents of clostridial dermatitis in turkeys.
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.
By industry request
The idea for an antimicrobial enzyme targeting C. septicum emerged directly from industry feedback following Miller’s 2023 Poultry Tech Summit presentation.
"Turkey industry contacts came to us after seeing our endolysin work with C. perfringens," said Miller. "They made a compelling case that no one develops products specifically for turkeys – they typically get products already developed for broilers and layers."
C. septicum presents unique challenges for turkey producers. Once established on a farm, the pathogen is extremely difficult to eliminate and requires early intervention to manage bacterial loads before clinical disease occurs. Current treatment relies heavily on antibiotics, but producers are seeking alternatives due to antimicrobial resistance concerns and supply security issues.
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.
