Poultry production is a vital source of dietary protein globally, but it faces ongoing challenges from bacterial diseases such as salmonellosis, colibacillosis and necrotic enteritis (NE). These infections not only compromise poultry health but also lead to significant economic losses and pose serious zoonotic risks to human health. Traditionally, antibiotics have been the primary method for controlling these bacterial diseases. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), rendering many treatments ineffective and facilitating the spread of resistant bacterial strains. This review explores the urgent need to advance poultry disease management through alternative strategies, with a focus on bacteriophage therapy. Bacteriophages, viruses that selectively infect and destroy bacteria, offer a targeted approach to treating bacterial infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Phage therapy has shown promising results in reducing bacterial loads of pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli in poultry, while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Additionally, the review highlights innovative encapsulation and delivery techniques that can enhance phage stability and controlled release in the poultry gut. Bacteriophage therapy shows promise as a solution to antibiotic resistance (AMR) in poultry farming, but it faces ethical and regulatory challenges that need to be resolved. The paper concludes that, with advancements in delivery and encapsulation technologies, bacteriophage therapy offers a sustainable way to reduce antibiotic use, improve poultry health, and ensure the safety of poultry products for human consumption.

To Cite This Article: Hussain S, Khan S, Khan R, Khan A, Gamaryani A, Mohsin M, Khan NZ, Said A, Amin Y and Bilal H 2025. Innovations in poultry disease control: advancements in bacteriophage therapy and delivery systems. Pak Vet J. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.213