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Development and testing of external quality assessment samples for Salmonella detection in poultry samples
F Martelli1, R Gosling, I McLaren
1Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
Letters in Applied Microbiology
|June 27, 2014
Summary
This study developed frozen chicken feces samples for Salmonella Enteritidis testing. A ring trial revealed inconsistencies in external laboratory detection, suggesting a need for improved external quality assurance in poultry Salmonella surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Food Safety
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Effective Salmonella surveillance in poultry is crucial for public health and the European poultry industry.
- Accurate detection of Salmonella in environmental samples, such as poultry feces, is essential for control regimes.
- Existing quality assurance methods may not adequately assess laboratory proficiency in Salmonella detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate frozen chicken feces and poultry dust as external quality assurance samples for Salmonella Enteritidis detection.
- To assess the reliability and interlaboratory variation in Salmonella detection using a ring trial.
- To identify potential improvements for Salmonella surveillance and control programs.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and freezing of Salmonella Enteritidis-inoculated chicken feces and poultry dust samples.
- Optimization of sample preparation, storage, and culture conditions for Salmonella detection.
- Conducting a ring trial with 13 external UK laboratories using the ISO 6579:2002 (Annex D) method.
Main Results:
- The originating laboratory reliably detected Salmonella at levels as low as 70 colony-forming units (CFU) under optimal conditions.
- External laboratories showed poorer sensitivity and significant variation in detecting Salmonella, especially at low inoculum levels.
- Detection of Salmonella in poultry house dust was more sensitive and uniform across participating laboratories.
Conclusions:
- Frozen chicken feces samples show promise as external quality assurance tools for Salmonella proficiency testing.
- Interlaboratory variability highlights the need for enhanced external quality assurance programs for Salmonella testing in poultry flocks.
- The study provides data to inform the design of more effective quality assurance schemes for official Salmonella testing.
