The article discusses how Barnwell Bio is using metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics to analyze environmental samples from poultry operations. The platform creates a map of a barn's microbiome to identify health risks before outbreaks, detect pathogens at the strain level, and provide location-specific intervention recommendations.
Michael Rhys, CEO and co-founder of Barnwell Bio, explains that the technology can help producers identify potential outbreaks more quickly. Implementation requires minimal disruption - producers simply wear specially coated boot socks while walking through barns during routine activities, collecting aggregate manure samples. These samples are analyzed and results delivered through a software dashboard that provides farm-specific data to guide biosecurity protocols.
The company is currently focused on DNA-based pathogens but is expanding RNA detection capabilities. Rhys will discuss the platform at the 2025 Poultry Tech Summit (November 3-5, 2025 in Atlanta).
Summary: Barnwell Bio has developed a wastewater surveillance platform that uses metagenomic sequencing to map poultry barn microbiomes, enabling early detection of pathogens and disease prevention. The minimally disruptive system analyzes samples collected via boot socks and delivers actionable insights through a software dashboard to help producers contain outbreaks and optimize biosecurity protocols.
Source: https://www.wattagnet.com/poultry-future/poultry-tech-summit-news/news/15768783/poultry-disease-prevention-through-waste-analysis
