Tiny viruses, big promise: Why is phage therapy still lagging in poultry?

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and consumer demand for safe animal products underscore the urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics in animal health management. Bacteriophages, which infect and lyse bacteria, offer a promising solution. Their host specificity, ability to replicate within infected tissues, and targeted action against antibiotic-resistant pathogens make them viable alternatives to conventional medications. Phage therapy can provide precise antibacterial effects while preserving beneficial gut microbiota, supporting poultry health. Recent research shows that bacteriophages can be effective against major foodborne pathogens, including Campylobacter jejuni, C. perfringens, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica. However, several challenges limit their widespread adoption, including phage specificity and diversity, pharmacokinetic variability, bacterial resistance, and regulatory and ethical concerns. Addressing these challenges requires standardized protocols, diverse phage libraries, and adaptive regulatory frameworks. This article highlights the promising advantages of bacteriophage use in poultry production while also addressing the key limitations that may affect the practical use of phage therapy. Interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing innovation are crucial for overcoming these barriers and advancing products that support environmentally sustainable poultry production systems.