UK welcomes European Salmonella survey

A new report released today by the European Food Safety Authority

(EFSA) shows measures used to reduce salmonella contamination on layer flock holdings appear to be working.

Vets who tested dust and other material found in poultry houses, as well as bird faeces, in 454 farms in the UK found only 12 per cent to show evidence of contamination.

The comparatively low figure is encouraging as it ranks the UK infection rate among the lowest third in Europe.

All EU member states were required to carry out surveys - the first to be carried out across Europe.

It aims to determine the prevalence of salmonella in the environment on commercial layer flock holdings and will form a baseline against which future surveys will be compared.

The aim is to help competent authorities across the EU fix a target to reduce the prevalence of salmonella, thereby helping food safety and reduce the risk of human infection.

Ben Bradshaw, animal health and welfare minister, welcomed the report from EFSA and the analysis of the survey results, published today.

Mr Bradshaw said: "Measures introduced by Government and industry to control salmonella on poultry premises have proved successful.

"Latest figures show that the number of reported cases of salmonella in humans is at its lowest level since a peak in 1997. Recent surveys of UK produced eggs on sale in shops have shown a significant reduction in the level of contamination compared with previous surveys.

"However, further improvements can be made and this survey of UK layer flock holdings added to the results of surveys by our European partners will help us bring down the level of contamination still further.

"We are working with the industry and other partners to develop statutory control programmes to meet targets when they are set. This will build on programmes already operated by the industry on a voluntary basis."