Iranian Scientists Make Bioshield to Prevent Viral Diseases in Livestock

“The idea of ​​a bioshield is a surface nano-biological coating designed to prevent the entry and spread of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens in livestock and poultry,” Zahra Azadeh Ranjbar, a veterinary PhD student at the Islamic Azad University’s Shahr-e Kord branch, told ANA.

She explained that the coating uses zeolite nanoparticles impregnated with antiviral plant extracts (like thyme and garlic) and biopolymers like chitosan and can be used as a spray or bath and is applied to the skin or feathers without the need for injection, adding, “This layer remains for five to seven days and acts as a physical and chemical barrier, preventing the penetration of pathogens.”

“Rapid response to epidemic diseases like avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis and Newcastle disease, immediate effect after use - unlike vaccines that require time -, suitable for times when vaccines are not yet available or complete immunity has not been formed, usability in farms, quarantine, livestock transportation, exhibitions and emergency situations, natural, antibiotic-free, without drug residues, safe even for sensitive animals and a complement to vaccination, usable without a cold chain or expert personnel are the advantages of the bioshield,” Azadeh Ranjbar said.

In a relevant development in June, the first herbal antibiotic for livestock and poultry was produced by the specialists at an Iranian knowledge-based company which is a suitable alternative to several common chemical drugs.

“Given the increasing damage caused by chemical antibiotic resistance in Iran and the subsequent increase in treatment costs and human casualties, the approach to using antibiotics and chemical drugs in livestock and poultry farms should be modified. This product can significantly improve the trend of using antibiotics in poultry farms and its side effects,” said Amirali Amiri, the managing director of the knowledge-based company.

“This herbal product not only has no withdrawal period, but can also be used in laying hens, dairy cows and other livestock until the end of the production period. This feature reduces the use of antibiotics, reduces drug residues in livestock products, and decreases the imports of protein inputs such as soy,” he added.

Stressing that not even a single gram of chemical or synthetic molecule has been used in the formulation of these drugs, Amiri said, “If only 10 percent of the country's poultry farms use this drug, it will have a significant impact on the country's food safety and reduce antibiotic resistance.”

He explained that the antibiotic is produced in two solid (powder) and liquid forms, adding, “The liquid form of the antibiotic can be a good alternative to drugs used to treat digestive problems and intestinal inflammation in livestock and poultry. In fact, by using this liquid drug, three to four antibacterial drugs can be eliminated from the cycle of livestock and poultry drugs. The powder form of this antibiotic has also been microencapsulated using nanotechnology to have greater stability, solubility, and effectiveness.”

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