Influence of resident Salmonella on contamination of broiler flocks.

An epidemiological survey was made of 5329 samples from 10 poultry operations to determine the relationship between total poultry farm environment and incidences of Salmonella contamination of broiler flocks. Samples were analyzed from walls, drinkers, feeders, litter, insects, water, chicks, broilers, and feed to determine the effect of common sanitary practices on Salmonella contamination of flocks. Results indicated that although similar hygienic practices had been taken on the 10 poultry farms examined, great variation exists in Salmonella contamination among the farms. Among the sources studied, the most important source of contamination was determined to be the resident Salmonella of the flock i.e., the strain isolated on chicks' first day in the poultry house. This source was more important than Salmonella isolated during the rearing period. However, the precise conditions of Salmonella contamination in poultry flocks remain to be elucidated.