Control Salmonella with key interventions
Foodborne diseases, such as salmonellosis, remain a significant cause of morbidity, mortality and economic losses in the world today. In 2019 EFSA reported it affecting 88, 000 people, making it one of the most reported zoonotic diseases. Food of animal origin, such as eggs and poultry meat are the main sources documented in Europe and the world today.
BY CARMEN COETZEE AND ERIC N’GUETTA, KEMIN A
Animals and flocks become infected with Salmonella from one of many sources; namely contaminated feed, drinking water, parent stock or the environment.
nimals and flocks become infected with Salmonella from one of many sources; namely contaminated feed, drinking water, parent stock or the environment. A Salmonella outbreak within a
flock, leads to rapid spread from one animal to another. EFSA experts predict that salmonellosis cases in humans could drop by 50%, when assessing current laying hens’ Salmonella targets, reducing from two percentage units to one. Pathogen control within the feed to food chain requires multi- ple interventions to be incorporated. Salmonella control and monitoring programmes are essential to all stakeholders with- in this chain, as part of due diligence. Starting at raw materials within feed material processing and storage facilities, to feed mills and compound feed production, farms and animal popu- lations, slaughterhouses and meat carcasses to food process- ing facilities and meat. Focusing on the feed mill and farm ‘link’, Salmonella control is achieved within five interventions.
5 interventions to control Salmonella The first is preventing Salmonella from entering the facility. Raw material controls are essential in identifying the high-risk raw materials. Both vegetable and animal protein meals are the feed materials that are generally categorised as high-risk type feed materials. Transportation vehicles should be sanitised and undergo regular maintenance procedures. Additionally, pest controls ensure birds and rodents which carry Salmonella, are not entering the facility, as a practical approach in preventing its entry. Early treatment of high-risk raw materials with a Kemin antimicrobial solution is cost effective and allows for the antimicrobial solution to start taking effect, additionally reducing the microbial load being introduced into the mixer.
The second is preventing the growth of Salmonella within the facilities’ environment. This is achieved by controlling dust release and condensation risks at locations within the facility. Dust is a source of environmental re-contamination, as it is a primary vehicle for Salmonella. Condensation occurs due to significant temperature differences between the feed, the air or equipment surfaces. The higher water activity in feed material supports Salmonella growth. Ventilation in the facility is crucial, ensuring that air flow is controlled and monitored, especially air used in cooling the pellets, which should be filtered and originate from outside the facility, to reduce recontamination of feed. Environmental contamination is combated using cyclic
20 ▶ FEED SAFETY | APRIL 2022
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
PHOTO:
STUDIOVISION.BE - RAF KETELSLAGERS & RUUD LATHOUWERS
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