Integrated farm management to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis contamination of eggs

Salmonella Enteritidis in contaminated eggs is a public health hazard that may cause hospitalization or death in the elderly, infants, and individuals with impaired immune systems. Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis infection of laying hens is an essential first step in reducing Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks in humans. Multiple interventions at several stages during egg production can combine to reduce numbers of infected chickens and keep egg contamination to low levels. Every effort should be made to exclude Salmonella Enteritidis from egg production premises by implementing effective biosecurity measures, stocking the farm with Salmonella Enteritidis-free replacement pullets, controlling rodent and insect vectors, and denying wild birds and pets access to chicken houses. Diligent cleaning and disinfection of chicken houses before introduction of a new flock will minimize environmental exposure and indirect horizontal transmission of multiple pathogens, including Salmonella Enteritidis. Increased resistance of chickens to intestinal colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis can be attained by the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Laying hens should be immunized with live and killed vaccines to stimulate mucosal and systemic immunity and reduce the prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis-contaminated eggs. Shell eggs should be refrigerated as soon as possible after laying to keep Salmonella Enteritidis cells at low levels in any contaminated eggs. Comprehensive Salmonella Enteritidis-control programs have proven to be successful in reducing the incidence of Salmonella Enteritidis infections in both egg-laying flocks and humans.