Fowl typhoid strikes layer farm in Northern Ireland

A total of 125,000 birds have been culled in a cage unit run by Ready Egg Products in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, as a result of an outbreak of Salmonella gallinarum, Farming UK reports.

Salmonella gallinarum infection, also known as fowl typhoid. is a rare strain of salmonella which is believed to pose little risk to humans. The outbreak was officially confirmed by the Northern Irish Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), although it is unclear what its origins are.

The department said in a statement, “DARD is aware of an outbreak of Salmonella gallinarum at an egg production unit in Fermanagh. This type of salmonella is non-notifiable and the control of the disease is a matter for the company.

“On this occasion the department assisted the company with depopulation.”

“Depopulation was done efficiently and has resulted in a humane and rapid depopulation of the affected house, which was one of three on the site.

“This outbreak is unusual in two ways, firstly isolation of Salmonella gallinarum is rare in the United Kingdom and secondly in this form it is more commonly a disease of backyard flocks rather than commercial ones.

“Salmonella gallinarum is a poultry adapted strain of salmonella bacteria and is considered to pose a minimal risk to humans.”

Rapid spread

The disease is more often observed in the later growing period and in mature stock. Disease is often characterised by rapid spread with high morbidity and acute or subacute mortality. Clinical signs in chicks and poults include anorexia, diarrhoea, dehydration, weakness and death.