British egg producers must get ready for salmonella rules
British egg producers must address new EU zoonoses directive on salmonella soon to stay ahead of EU counterparts, according to Adam Goddard, UK-based consultant to Lohmann Animal Health.
Many producers placing flocks now don’t appreciate that they will be due for sampling before the end of lay. This will be introduced in 2008, followed by penalties for positive readings in 2009.
Goddard believes that some of the farmers “are simply not aware of the scale of what they will have to do.” He also points out that while salmonella controls are currently focussed on the birds through vaccination, in future they will involve samples being taken from the surrounding environment.
This implies that biosecurity measures will have to embrace a whole raft of disciplines, including comprehensive cleaning and disinfection regimes in houses, control of rodents and other vectors (flies and red mite), and protocols for visitors and vehicles (delivery lorries).
“The new level of testing will certainly show up any positive readings and highlight any latent salmonella problems.
Goddard says that the British egg producers have led the world as far as salmonella control is concerned, however industry shouldn’t become complacent and the producers need to tackle this issue without delay.
Related articles:
Many EU egg farms contaminated with salmonella
UK egg producers ready to meet salmonella controls
European Commission adopts new salmonella regulations
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