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Industry can’t afford to relax when it comes to keeping eggs Salmonella-free

There is no room for complacency when it comes to Salmonella control and producers must be alert to emerging threats. That was the overarching message at Elanco’s FSP roadshow events held in Shropshire, Yorkshire and Scotland.

Speaking at the events in Shropshire and Yorkshire, Mark Williams, chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) emphasised that Salmonella prevalence in the UK was still well below the critical two percent threshold, but he said the proportion of flocks testing positive for regulated serovars has started to creep up since 2017.

“Maintaining food safety and consumer trust is our number one priority and we must be alert to emerging issues that could threaten this,” said Mr Williams.

Rodent control is a key factor when it comes to food safety on layer farms

Rodents are one of the ways that Salmonella enters laying sites, but there is not one single solution to keeping rodents at bay, so producers need to take an integrated approach.

The most recent CRRU UK Code of Best Practice, details an integrated approach to rodent control using the ‘risk hierarchy’.

Brady Hughes, business development manager at Killgerm Chemicals Ltd, said proofing can be a useful tool, however it can be difficult in free-range poultry sheds due to the pop holes being open in the day. However, she advised blocking any possible gaps by using rubber or bristle strips on the bottom of doors. Covering air bricks and filling cracks and crevices can help eliminate ingress.

Food safety must remain a priority for egg producers

Producers were reminded that there is no room to be complacent at Elanco’s FSP roadshow, with the government introducing a ‘one strike and you are out’ rule for Salmonella on farm.

The egg sector has worked hard to gain consumer trust, after the Edwina Curry scandal back in 1988. Mark Williams, chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), kicked off the event by reiterating the huge steps made by the sector to maintain the high food standards that we are now renowned for in the UK. However, he reminded everyone that there is no room to relax, as while Salmonella cases are still well below the 2% target, it is vital it stays this way.

AviPro Salmonella Duo contains: Live attenuated Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria, strain Sm24/Rif12/Ssq, min. 1 x 10⁸ CFU* and max. 6 x 10⁸ CFU*.

Live attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria, strain Nal2/Rif9/Rtt, min. 1 x 10⁸ CFU* and max. 6 x 10⁸ CFU*. *CFU – colony forming units.

Legal Category: POM-V. For further information, consult the product SPC. For further information call Elanco Animal Health on +44(0)1256 353131, or email elancouk@elanco.com, or write to: Elanco UK AH limited, Form 2, Bartley Way, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook RG27 9XA. Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible.