5.3 Farm-level measures

Improvements in biosecurity, hygiene and incubation conditions on broiler breeder farms can replace the need for prophylactic use of antibiotics by reducing the risk of E. coli infection in newly hatched chicks. These measures reduce the risk of infections being introduced to the farm and further spread within the farm environment (Collineau et al., 2020). For example, chickens can be infected with Salmonella organisms from their environment. Possible sources are contaminated feed, rodents or contact (direct or indirect) between infected and uninfected birds.

Hygiene is vital in all areas, and education and support for poultry farmers is therefore key.

5.2 National-scale measures: industry controls and national regulations

5.4 Food processing and retail