Sources and Disseminations of Salmonella spp. in an Integrated Broiler Meat Production

Abstract

In this study, important sources and disseminations of Salmonella in integrated broiler meat production was conducted in the north-eastern part of Thailand during 2010-2012. Both environmental samples and chicken-related samples from three broiler meat production cycles, starting from breeder farm, hatchery, broiler farm, and slaughterhouse were collected. The chicken-related samples were tested to monitor Salmonella status of the chickens, eggs, or whole carcasses, whereas the environmental samples were tested to investigate the possible sources of Salmonella contamination. A total of 1,449 chicken-related samples and 802 environmental samples were analyzed. Results of this study showed that Salmonella was found in all production units. Horizontal transmission was considered as the main route of Salmonella contamination in this integrated broiler production. No Salmonella contamination was found in any of the egg samples. Important sources of Salmonella during the broiler production were contaminated environment and equipment in hatchery, contaminated day-old chicks, feed, and pests especially house lizards. In addition, the main factors for Salmonella dissemination to the chicken carcasses were contaminated transport cages, transportation of broilers to slaughterhouse, and cross-contamination during the slaughter process. Therefore, effective top-to-down Salmonella controlling approach should be implemented; especially for sanitary programs, feed quality control, water treatment, pest management and HACCP plan in the slaughterhouse.