Dissemination of Salmonella serotypes from raw feed ingredients to chicken carcases.

During a Salmonella survey in a large integrated poultry organization it was observed that a significant correlation existed between Salmonella serotypes isolated from the raw feed ingredients and those from finished carcases. A number of serotypes hitherto unrecognized in the organization were detected in the raw feed ingredients, and were later recognized in live birds and carcases from the processing plant. It appears that a significant reduction in carcase contamination rate could be achieved by minimizing Salmonella in the meal and grain constituents of poultry feed.