Application of modern ex vivo chicken gut models for the study of zoonotic foodborne infections using naturally derived substances

Poultry farming is the largest sector of animal production, with poultry playing a key role in the transmission of foodborne zoonotic infections. The excessive use of antibiotics increases the risk of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria and facilitates the spread of resistance genes, posing a major threat to public health. Therefore, preventive strategies are needed to reduce reliance on antibiotics, and natural bioactive substances offer promising alternatives. This project aims to implement innovative ex vivo models—chicken digestive tract explants—into research facilities to study the effects of probiotics, exopolysaccharides, and prebiotics on foodborne pathogens. The results will contribute to integrating new knowledge into poultry farming research, supporting sustainable and innovative strategies to enhance poultry health. Ultimately, this could improve agricultural efficiency, reduce economic losses, and lower the risks associated with managing foodborne zoonotic infections