ISSUE FOCUS 38 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2023 A well-managed barrier system around the hatcheries and barn houses should also involve proper cleaning and disinfection steps to prevent possible introduction of Salmonella from outside via vehicles, farm visitors, boots, etc. FEED AND WATER It is known that feed can be an important source of contamination with Salmonella. Grains and animal meal are common sources of feed contamination, as well as environmental dust. Pelletising feedstuffs, or heat treating the feed will destroy almost all bacteria present in feed, but there is always the chance of recontamination. Recontamination of the feed can occur in the cooling environment, via the transport trucks, or simply via dust and insects present in and around the feed mills. However, pelletised feed or heat-treated feed is not available or used everywhere as it is more expensive. It often pays to have insight into the audit-reports of your feed supplier. During production keep an eye on the following aspects: Storage condition of raw materials and finished feed. Identify and neutralize feed accumulation points to avoid the "first in, last out" situation. Identify and correct water infiltration points in silos and bulk trucks. Scheduled inspections are important in this regard. Regarding raw materials, the use of ingredients of animal origin always requires additional microbiological control and a shorter consumption time of stocks. It is worth remembering that we have several additives in the feed that help the bird to protect itself from the challenges related to Salmonella, we can mention organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, essential oils. Mycotoxins are anti-nutritional factors to be neutralized because they increase the intensity of Salmonella related problems. During the flock interval it is important to have time to clean the house and this includes removing as much waste as possible from the house, including feed scraps. Water hygiene, especially for the drinking water, is very important as part of the biosecurity program. Monitoring the drinking water quality is as important as purchasing safe feed. Avoid using surface water sources as they allow wild birds access and this poses a risk of contamination. And take measures to ensure that drinking water is as potable as possible, this involves not only physical and chemical aspects but also microbiological ones. PEOPLE Hatchery and farm workers are a key factor in an effective biosecurity program. It is of major importance that they know and meet all the biosecurity standards and rules; it pays off if you can fully explain the ‘Why’? behind your biosecurity program. Make sure that they know and respect the rules regarding the shower-in procedures, the cleaning and disinfection of their hands after every toilet visit and contact with food. They must also follow the rules with respect to changing clothes and footwear between barns as well as respect the rule of 72 hours free of contact with domestic birds before entering the premises. PEST CONTROL As all animals, including reptiles and insects, can carry Salmonella, it is important to keep them out of your poultry houses and hatcheries. The litter beetle is particularly known to be a common host for Salmonellas. Disinfection should therefore be executed immediately after depopulation of a house to prevent the litter beetles from migration and hiding. Besides cleaning and disinfection, it is important that you have measures installed to prevent rodents and wild birds from entering your barns. Having bait stations outside the poultry barns could be one of these measures. VACCINATION There is an increased interest in vaccinating poultry against S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium. With vaccination, the bird’s resistance to a possible infection of
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