Introduction of Salmonellae into a centralized laboratory animal facility by infected day old chicks

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Animal Health

Background:

• Salmonella contamination in poultry can pose risks to animal health and public safety.
• Routine microbiological monitoring is crucial for early detection and control of pathogens in livestock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of Salmonella in day-old chicks upon arrival.
• To identify specific Salmonella serovars present in chick transport environments.

Main Methods:

• Examination of paper floor inserts and fecal samples from chick transport boxes.
• Use of peptone water enrichment followed by culture in two different enrichment media.

Main Results:

• Salmonella was isolated from 6 out of 50 (12%) chick deliveries.
• Identified serovars included Salmonella muenchen (1 isolate) and Salmonella cerro var. siegburg (5 isolates).

Conclusions:

• The study identified a Salmonella prevalence of 12% in the examined day-old chick deliveries.
• Findings underscore the importance of monitoring Salmonella in poultry, with implications for multispecies animal facilities.