Poultry producers warned as Salmonella risk rises in hot weather

Poultry producers are being urged to tighten biosecurity as prolonged hot, dry weather raises the risk of Salmonella spreading on farms.

The warning follows an earlier-than-usual seasonal rise in cases across breeder, broiler and layer sites.

While Salmonella cases typically increase as summer progresses, Livetec says the combination of prolonged heat and an early harvest may be contributing to problems emerging sooner this year.

Dr Paul Talling, biosecurity advisor at Livetec, said producers were understandably focused on keeping birds cool, but warned that high temperatures could create wider disease risks.

“Birds suffering from heat stress can experience weakened immunity, compromised gut health and exhibit physiological and behavioural changes such as excessive panting and drinking, making them more vulnerable to disease,” he said.

Warmer conditions can also allow bacteria and other pathogens, particularly Salmonella, to multiply more quickly and increase the number of infectious organisms present.

Talling said maintaining consistent biosecurity remained the most effective defence against disease.

“Where biosecurity is good, producers should not need to change what they’re doing but must be careful if normal routines or infrastructure have to be altered to work around periods of hot weather,” he said.

Dry conditions are creating additional challenges around poultry units.

Early harvesting, muck spreading and cultivation can increase dust levels and disturb vermin, potentially creating further routes for pathogens to move between areas.

“Diseases like Salmonella can be carried on dust, organic matter, soil particles and vermin, so it’s important to keep areas outside of sheds clean and tidy and to keep buildings rodent proof, by addressing any potential gaps in buildings where they could enter,” Talling said.

High temperatures may also prompt producers to open emergency or catching doors and windows to improve airflow inside poultry sheds.

However, Talling warned that this could allow wild birds and rodents into buildings and increase uncontrolled movement by people.

“Once a disease has entered a building, human mediated transfer is often responsible for disease spreading around the farm.”

“Where doors have to be opened, staff should maintain biosecurity by using only the entry and exit they normally use,” he said.

Bird welfare must remain the priority during periods of extreme heat, but producers are being encouraged to check fans, air inlets and cooling systems are operating effectively before relying on open doors for additional ventilation.

Drinking water hygiene is another area requiring closer attention in warm weather, as biofilm can develop more quickly.

Producers are advised to flush and disinfect water lines every few days, particularly where misting or cooling systems are being used.

Personal protective equipment should also remain part of normal routines despite hot conditions making it less comfortable for staff.

Clean, shed-specific wellies and overalls should continue to be used to reduce the risk of pathogens being carried between poultry houses.

“Keep routines in place and control what you can control,” Talling said.

He also encouraged farms to use dry conditions as an opportunity to identify weaknesses in structural biosecurity and reinforce expected practices with staff.

“Use the dry weather to identify and rectify any weaknesses in structural biosecurity and engage with staff to reinforce expected biosecurity behaviour.”

“Take these practical steps now and you will significantly reduce your biosecurity risk going into the autumn.”