Frequency of isolation of Salmonella from protective foot covers worn in broiler houses as compared to drag-swab sampling.

In this study we tested the hypothesis that the frequency of Salmonella isolation from protective foot covers worn in individual broiler production houses would compare favorably to isolation rates obtained from conventional drag-swab methods. Salmonella was detected with equal frequency from protective foot covers and drag-swab assemblies on nine individual broiler farms over three separate sampling periods. Salmonella was detected in 13 of a total 27 individual samplings by culturing the protective foot covers, whereas positive detections occurred in 16 of a total 27 samplings when using the drag-swab method. Of the total number of houses identified as positive, these frequencies were unaltered when evaluated against the flock status of each farm at the time of sampling. Both methods were equally as likely to detect Salmonella when houses were either vacant (awaiting the placement of the next flock) or occupied (currently housing chickens of any age). In addition to highlighting the development of a potential new Salmonella monitoring technique, this study reinforces our current understanding regarding the importance of stringent biosecurity practices on poultry farms.