Living with the threat of disease outbreaks is just one of the many challenges facing poultry and egg farmers. However, with a focus being on the devastating impact of avian influenza outbreaks – especially in the past few years – it’s easy to overlook other threats to the health of the nation’s flocks. One example is Salmonella.
Salmonella is one of the most deadly livestock diseases, and in 2022 nearly 3,500 human cases were recorded in the UK, 22.9% more than in the previous year. If a farm is impacted by a Salmonella outbreak, depopulation is often a requirement, with potentially ruinous consequences for the business.
Our case study examines how Salmonella impacted a layer breeder supplier in England. The Production Manager and Area Farm Manager* powerfully describe their experiences when one of their farms was affected by Salmonella in 2022 and the financial and emotional stresses.
Detecting Salmonella – an initial shock
After taking on a new batch of chicks in early 2022, the team were shocked when – out of the blue and without any prior indicators – the flock tested positive for Salmonella.
Knowing that the “[The decision to depopulate] is especially difficult for the farmers, ” the team had to act quickly to limit the scale of the problem and provide appropriate support for the farming team.
Emergency depopulation from the industry leaders
Immediately after diagnosis, they contacted Livetec. With our vast experience dealing with notifiable and non-notifiable disease outbreaks, as well as emergency services for flooding, heat stress and processing issues to name a few, we were able to immediately implement a plan of action. A specialist technical team was on site within 24 hours to conduct the process.
Whilst the nature of the task means that the experience is never an easy one for those involved, Livetec’s sector experience ensured that stress and worry was limited as much as possible.
“I’ve always applauded Livetec’s attitude to that initial conversation and then the subsequent things they put in place…all those things have been a positive experience.”
Scott – Production Director
Longer-term effects of the Salmonella virus
The impact of the disease outbreak lingered long after the depopulation was completed. Not least the emotional impact on staff and workers and the many lingering questions about what could have been done to prevent it.
At Livetec, we believe in providing appropriate emotional support to those experiencing these challenging moments. For us it’s just as important as ensuring the farm is back to fully operational productivity as quickly as possible.
“In our experience, Livetec were A1. They were a really professional team who had empathy for the farmer from the minute they drove through the gate to the minute they left”
Robert – Area Farm Manager
Biosecurity and farm-management solutions
Livetec offers emergency depopulation solutions for both notifiable and non-notifiable disease outbreaks. In addition to one-off services, we provide standby contracts to ensure we are always ready to assist you whenever needed. Contact us to find out about our emergency services and standby contracts here.
By improving your biosecurity profile, you reduce the risk of disease outbreaks taking hold on your farm in the first place. Read more about our range of biosecurity services and Contingency Plans here.
*The names of those involved in this case study have been changed for anonymity.
