Secret Killers in Poultry as Drivers for Intestinal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Stress can trigger inflammation and provoke adverse reactions. In poultry, chronic stress may be caused by various causes, including dysbiosis. Heat stress, mycotoxins, and an oxidized diet can also reduce the animal’s performance and heighten its vulnerability to infections. Heat stress can disrupt gut–tight junctions and generate free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, which results in increased intestinal permeability, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation. Historically, the ban on using antibiotics as growth promoters is a practical employed to manage pathological conditions. This situation has prompted the necessity to explore alternative approaches to antimicrobials for the preservation of gut health. This review highlights the key elements that might cause chronic stress in poultry. Additionally, we shed light on the potential negative impacts on animal health and the link between chronic stress and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, which can threaten public health.