Observations on the distribution and control of Salmonella species in two integrated broiler companies

The effectiveness of cleaning and disinfecting broiler farms and the persis tence of Salmonella species in two integrated broiler companies was investi gated for two years. Both companies used a cleaning and disinfection regime which included the application of a spray of phenolic disinfectant followe d by fogging with formaldehyde solution, and this was highly effective in p reventing carry-over of infection in the broiler houses. The disinfection o f service areas and areas outside the houses was less effective but it had no influence on the Salmonella status of later flocks. Both companies had p ersistent problems with the contamination of pellet cooling systems in thei r feedmills with Salmonella 4,12:d:- in company A, and with Salmonella binz a and Salmonella ohio in company B. The hatcher incubators of both companie s were also persistently contaminated with Salmonella livingstone and Salmo nella thomasville in company A and with Salmonella senftenberg in company B . At both companies sites Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium DT104 were also isolated occasionally from various locations.