Observations on the distribution and control of Salmonella in commercial broiler hatcheries in Great Britain

Abstract

Salmonella can enter hatcheries via contaminated eggs and other breaches of biosecurity. The study examined the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella in commercial hatcheries and assessed the effects of providing advice on Salmonella control. Intensive swab sampling was performed throughout 23 broiler hatcheries in Great Britain (GB). Swabs were cultured using a modified ISO6579:2017 method. After each visit, tailored advice on biosecurity and cleaning and disinfection procedures was provided to the hatchery managers. Repeat sampling was carried out in 10 of the 23 hatcheries. Salmonella prevalence ranged between 0% and 33.5%, with the chick handling areas, hatcher areas, macerator area, tray wash/storage areas, external areas and other waste handling areas being more contaminated than the setter areas. Salmonella Senftenberg and Salmonella 13,23:i:‐ were the most commonly isolated serovars. There was a reduction in Salmonella prevalence at the second visit in eight out of 10 premises, but prevalence values had increased again in all of the improved hatcheries that were visited a third time. One hatchery harboured a difficult‐to‐control resident Salmonella 13,23:i:‐ strain and was visited six times; by the final visit, Salmonella prevalence was 2.3%, reduced from a high of 23.1%. In conclusion, the study found low‐level Salmonella contamination in some GB broiler hatcheries, with certain hatcheries being more severely affected. Furthermore, it was shown that Salmonella typically is difficult to eradicate from contaminated hatcheries, but substantial reductions in prevalence are possible with improvements to biosecurity, cleaning and disinfection.

Risk Factors for Persistence Infection of Non-typhoidal Salmonella in Poultry Farms, North-Central Nigeria

“…In Trinidad and Tobago, 23 different Salmonellae have been found in broiler production with prevalence of between 8.9 -20.5% [5]. Similarly, in a recent survey in Great Britain involving 23 commercial broiler hatcheries, a prevalence of between 0 -35% were obtained with the chick handling areas, hatcher areas, macerator area, tray wash/storage areas, external areas and other waste handling areas being more contaminated in the hatchery operations [31].…”

Risk Factors for Persistent Infection of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella in Poultry Farms, North Central Nigeria

“…In Trinidad and Tobago, 23 different Salmonellae have been found in broiler production with a prevalence of between 8.9 and 20.5% [ 5 ]. Similarly, in a recent survey in Great Britain involving 23 commercial broiler hatcheries, a prevalence of between 0 and 35% was obtained for the chick-handling areas, hatcher areas, macerator areas, tray wash/storage areas, external areas and other waste-handling areas, which are more contaminated in hatchery operations [ 36 ].…”