The battle against salmonella in poultry
The authorities and industry are cooperating in the battle against salmonella in poultry. The plan consists of:
- Observation of poultry and the heritage
- Slaughtering or destruction of salmonella infected herds
- Extra cleaning and control of poultry houses that have accommodated salmonella infected herds.
- Control of poultry at the abattoirs
- Heat treatment of all poultry from salmonella infected chicken herds
- Regulations for production of fowl feed.
Since 1996, there have been programs for observation of salmonella in every part of the poultry production. The programs are regularly updated and by January 1, 2008, there were new and stricter rules on the entire field in connection with Denmark’s application for special status in EU. Since 1990, there has also been regulation on the production of fowl feed.
Salmonella in ducks and turkeys
Ducks are often salmonella infected because they are reared outdoors. Salmonella infected turkeys are, on the other hand, a rarity. Ca. 80 % of Danish ducks reared for slaughtering are infected. There are currently no rules for salmonella in ducks and turkeys. Hardly any ducks and turkeys are slaughtered in today’s Denmark. The majority is reared for slaughtering in Germany.