Since 1988 my Department has operated a salmonella monitoring programme in poultry breeding flocks, table egg layers and poultry meat carcasses. The programme was set up as a voluntary code of practice with the co-operation of the various elements of industry. The programme sets out approved guidelines for the control of salmonella typhimurium – S.t. – and salmonella enteritidis – S.e. My information is that to date there has been very low incidence of salmonella typhimurium DT 104 in poultry.
Both the Department and producers co-operate to ensure that a determination of the salmonella situation in cases of suspect flocks is made as quickly as possible. The owner of the flock is responsible for arranging slaughter of the flock. Once the house in question has been emptied of birds, effective cleaning and disinfection is carried out, including safe disposal of manure and litter and effective vermin control, as directed by a Department official. Restocking may take place only after official clearance has been granted and may only be sourced from flocks that are shown to be free of salmonella on the basis of a recognised monitoring programme.