Ep296 - Bloodlines Under Threat: What Every Breeder Needs to Know About Avian Leukosis

In this eye-opening episode of Bred to Perfection, hosts Kenny and Nancy Troiano sit down with Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, veterinary pathologist and avian disease expert, to uncover one of the most dangerous and overlooked threats in poultry breeding: Avian Leukosis Virus (ALV). Whether you're building a high-performance gamefowl strain, preserving heritage bloodlines, or improving your backyard flock, ALV could be silently sabotaging your work. In this must-listen episode, we dive deep into: What Avian Leukosis Virus really is - and why it's not "just another disease" The difference between ALV and Marek's Disease (stop confusing the two!) How vertical transmission through the egg silently spreads ALV Why most infected birds look healthy - but can still ruin your strain The four classes of ALV infection- and which birds are safe to breed Real-world strategies to test, cull, and breed for resistance The critical role of biosecurity, quarantine, and record keeping How top breeders are eliminating ALV and future-proofing their flocks Dr. Gallardo also shares insights from the Gamefowl Wellness Program in Southern California and explains why targeted health and breeding strategies are more important than ever for today's breeders. If you care about your birds, your program, and your reputation as a breeder, this episode is essential listening. Because breeding isn't just about what you can see - it's about eliminating the threats you can't. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Want to learn more? Join the Breeders Academy for exclusive content, mentorship, and disease-prevention tools. #GamefowlBreeding #AvianLeukosis #PoultryHealth #BredToPerfection #Biosecurity #SelectiveBreeding #ChickenBreeding Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Watch Bred to Perfection Live - Friday's at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube - Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability-all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com