not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown 2.7 Immune stimulants Innate immune stimulants help activate the immune system and prevent infections by mimicking pathogens. One such stimulant, CpG-ODN, was tested in neonatal chickens to fight APEC (O2) infection using nebulization. Chickens treated with CpG-ODN had higher survival rates, improved health, and lower bacterial levels. It also boosted the immune response by increasing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and activating immune cells like T-cells and macrophages.2 Additionally, two stimulants, polyinosinic acid and polyphosphazene—were given in ovo to protect young chickens from APEC yolk sac infections. The results showed improved survival with both stimulants. Overall above findings indicate that CpG ODN along with other stimulants could be a promising alternative to antibiotics for preventing early chick deaths from yolk sac infections.3