12/08/26
Poultry producers urged to maintain biosecurity as Salmonella risk rises
Poultry producers are being encouraged to maintain robust biosecurity measures during periods of hot and dry weather, as these conditions increase the risk of disease spreading on farms. This warning follows an early seasonal rise in Salmonella cases across breeder, broiler and layer sites. Whilst an increase in cases is normal as summer progresses, the early harvest and prolonged hot weather, may be contributing to it becoming a problem earlier than usual. While producers are rightly focused on keeping birds cool at this time, Livetec biosecurity advisor, Dr Paul Talling, warns that the consequences of hot weather extend beyond heat stress. “Birds suffering from heat stress can experience weakened immunity, compromised gut health and exhibit physiological and behavioural changes such as excessive panting and drinking, making them more vulnerable to disease,” he says. Additionally, warm conditions allow bacteria and other pathogens – especially Salmonella – to multiply more rapidly, significantly increasing the number of infectious organisms present. Dr Talling says that robust and consistent biosecurity remains the first and best line of defence to reduce the risk of birds succumbing to disease. “Where biosecurity is good, producers should not need to change what they’re doing but must be careful if normal routines or infrastructure have to be altered to work around periods of hot weather,” he says. The dry weather and early harvest, muck spreading and cultivation activity, also create challenges by increasing dust levels in the environment and disturbing vermin. “Diseases like Salmonella can be carried on dust, organic matter, soil particles and vermin, so it’s important to keep areas outside of sheds clean and tidy and to keep buildings rodent proof, by addressing any potential gaps in buildings where they could enter,” Dr Talling says. Inside sheds, high temperatures may lead producers to open catching or emergency doors, or windows, to help cool birds down. Dr Talling says open doors are an invitation for wild birds and rodents to enter and can encourage the uncontrolled movement of people in and out of sheds, which can facilitate disease spread. “Once a disease has entered a building, human mediated transfer is often responsible for disease spreading around the farm.
“Where doors have to be opened, staff should maintain biosecurity by using only the entry and exit they normally use,” he says.
While bird welfare must remain the priority, Dr Talling advises farms to check that fans, inlets and cooling systems are working effectively before relying on opening doors for additional ventilation.
Drinking water hygiene also requires close attention as biofilm can develop quicker during warm weather. Producers should flush and disinfect lines every few days, particularly when misting or cooling systems are in use.
High temperatures can also make personal protective equipment (PPE) less comfortable, but staff should continue to wear clean, shed-specific wellies and overalls.
“Keep routines in place and control what you can control,” says Dr Talling.
“Use the dry weather to identify and rectify any weaknesses in structural biosecurity and engage with staff to reinforce expected biosecurity behaviour.
“Take these practical steps now and you will significantly reduce your biosecurity risk going into the autumn.”
Source: industry press release.