Salmonella detection in feces during broiler rearing and after live transport to the slaughterhouse

Eggs and poultry meat are a common source of human salmonellosis. Contamination of poultry or poultry meat may occur throughout the production chain. Nevertheless, in Spain, noncontaminated broiler meat may be sold for human consumption from 2011. The aims of this study were as follows: (i) assess Salmonella detection from feces samples during the rearing and (ii) assess the influence of live transport to the slaughterhouse on Salmonella detection. During this study, 65 flocks were sampled at weekly intervals from the first day of rearing until slaughter. Samples of feces were taken from the litter using 5 pairs of cellulose sock swabs attached to boots and applied over the length of the house. To assess Salmonella detection rates before and after live transport to the slaughterhouse, feces samples were collected. Before loading, feces with 5 pairs of cellulose sock swabs were taken as described above. After transport, 2 pooled feces samples were taken directly from the truck (200 to 300 g each). All samples were analyzed in accordance with ISO 6579:2002 (Annex D). Results showed that regardless of whether broiler flocks arrived at the farm already shedding the bacteria in feces or they were infected during rearing, both groups described the same detection pattern, with the highest detection in feces at 14th day of rearing (50.5 and 34.5%, respectively). Moreover, Salmonella Enteritidis was the most prevalent serotype isolated during rearing (66.7%), followed by Salmonella Virchow (13.7%), Salmonella Hadar (9.4%), and Salmonella Ohio (2.8%). On the other hand, before loading and after transport to the slaughterhouse, 15.4 and 41.2% of feces samples collected were determined positive, respectively. In addition, a change in the serotype pattern was also observed. Salmonella Enteritidis remains the most prevalent serotype isolated (54.5%). Salmonella Hadar doubled the excretion rates (39.3%), and Salmonella Virchow and Salmonella Ohio were not isolated after transport.