Salmonella is a group of bacteria commonly residing in the intestines of animals, notably poultry, which poses a threat to human health. The most common pathway is foodborne transmission. Contaminated poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy can occur at various stages, from production through contact with infected animals or contaminated feed, processing and distribution due to improper handling or cross-contamination. The final potential route for contamination is in the preparation of food in our own kitchens, through inadequate cooking or hygiene practices.
There are also a significant number of alternative routes in which Salmonella bacteria can spread, including waterborne transmission. Contaminated water sources, such as poor sanitation, sewage leaks, or agricultural runoff, can harbour the bacteria. Consuming this water or food prepared using it can lead to infection.
Animal-borne transmission
Infected humans and animals shed Salmonella bacteria in their faeces, which is often referred to as the faecal-oral route. Direct or indirect contact with contaminated faecal matter, through inadequate hand hygiene, improper waste disposal, or contact with contaminated surfaces, soil, or objects, can lead to transmission.
Animals are also a transmission pathway. Poultry, livestock, reptiles, and pets, all can carry Salmonella asymptomatically in their intestines. Handling contaminated animals or surfaces, or consuming products derived from infected animals, such as unpasteurised milk or undercooked meat, can transmit Salmonella to humans.
Salmonella has the ability to persist and survive in various environmental reservoirs, including soil, water, and food processing environments. Contaminated soil can infect crops, while water sources can serve as reservoirs for the bacteria. Inadequate sanitation practices and cross-contamination in food processing facilities can lead to the spread of Salmonella to food products. Contaminated equipment, utensils, and surfaces further contribute to environmental contamination and subsequent transmission.
Protecting against Salmonella
The UK government and food safety agencies have established stringent protocols to address Salmonella outbreaks in poultry flocks. This involves prompt outbreak identification and containment, tracing back contamination sources to prevent further spread, implementing rigorous biosecurity measures including thorough cleaning and disinfection, testing and culling infected birds if necessary, and proper disposal of carcasses to minimise environmental contamination.
How Livetec can help protect your livestock
Livetec have been helping poultry farmers protect their flocks for the last decade. We provide expert advice on what biosecurity and Contingency Planning you should have in place to greatly reduce the chance of a disease like Salmonella from infecting your flock.
Find out more about how Livetec’s Biosecurity Advisory Service can help you protect your livestock and contact us today.
