Delaware Farm Innovation Could Replace Antibiotics in Turkeys

Turkey farmers in Delaware are getting closer to a game-changing tool that could help them raise healthier flocks without relying on antibiotics.

A new feed supplement uses specialized enzymes from bacteria-fighting viruses to combat disease in turkeys. The innovation specifically targets Clostridium septicum, the leading bacterial cause of a painful skin condition that plagues turkey operations across the country.

Dr. Kane Miller, CEO of Axitan, presented the breakthrough technology at the 2025 Poultry Tech Summit in Atlanta this past November. His company is developing the supplement as a simple feed additive that farmers can mix into their existing turkey feed.

The science behind it sounds futuristic but works elegantly. The supplement contains enzymes called endolysins that come from bacteriophages, which are viruses that naturally prey on bacteria. These enzymes attack the outer walls of harmful bacteria, causing them to burst and die.

What makes this approach special is its precision. The enzymes contain binding components that lock onto disease-causing bacteria while completely ignoring the beneficial microbes that help turkeys digest their food. Think of it as a smart weapon that only hits the bad guys.

The technology also addresses a growing crisis in agriculture. Antibiotic resistance has become a serious threat as bacteria evolve to survive traditional treatments. These enzymes work differently by attacking the fundamental structure of bacterial cell walls, making it nearly impossible for bacteria to develop resistance.

Axitan is engineering the supplement to withstand the high heat used in commercial feed manufacturing. The company is adding protective formulations and modifying the enzymes so they remain effective through the entire production process.

The Ripple Effect

This innovation arrives at exactly the right moment. Poultry producers have been under pressure to reduce antibiotic use, but they still need ways to protect their flocks from deadly infections. Clostridial dermatitis continues to strike turkey operations even when farmers follow strict biosecurity and sanitation protocols.

Miller sees his product filling a crucial gap. "We're just trying to provide another tool to the industry to help them migrate away from antibiotic or heavy use of antibiotic production," he explained.

The benefits extend beyond individual farms. Reducing antibiotic use in agriculture helps preserve these critical medicines for human healthcare. Every farm that can raise healthy animals without antibiotics helps protect the effectiveness of treatments we all depend on.

The project has moved past the early research phase. The team is now refining the formula and working through regulatory approval processes. Live animal testing and comprehensive field trials will come next to prove the technology works in real farming conditions.

While the supplement isn't available for purchase yet, Delaware's turkey producers can look forward to having a powerful new option that protects both their flocks and public health.