A reason for more chickens; Eggs from small flocks linked with increased risk for salmonella

[Poultry Times]

A study back in 2016 concluded that the smaller the flock, the higher the probability of salmonella in the eggs from the hens. The researchers took random samples from both large and small flocks from farmer's markets all around Pennsylvania.




Edited by Staff

 

[Beer can]

IDK, I have a small flock, usually around 15 laying sometimes as few as 6 and between 15 and 40 total birds depending on the time of yr. Never tested the eggs for salmonella, but I've ate them raw and never got sick so I'm pretty sure they're OK

 

[lazy gardener]

I'd like to know who paid for that study. Smells pretty fishy to me. And without posting the study, it would be pretty difficult to assess the validity of it.

 

[aart]

I'd like to know who paid for that study. Smells pretty fishy to me.
And without posting the study, it would be pretty difficult to assess the validity of it.

Yes, please link study @Poultry Times

Funny.... new member, 2 posts, both edited by staff.......me suspects subscription soliciting.

 

[Poultry Times]

The study is on poultry time's website, but I'll sum it up here. It was done by a professor at Penn State University. The flocks were all under 3000 birds and the researchers concluded that it was because coops under 3000 are not regulated by the government and may not follow certain cleaning protocol required by large corporations. A few requirements of the government are the following: intensive rodent control, cleaning and disinfecting between flocks, environmental monitoring of pullet and layer houses, continuous testing of eggs from any Salmonella-positive houses, and diverting eggs from Salmonella-positive houses for pasteurization.

 

[Poultry Times]

Yes, that was my original intention. I was not aware of the rules though I did try to find out before joining. I did post the link but it was removed. However, I will continue to post summaries of articles on here that are relevant to free-range chickens to inform people. Plus, it is interesting to see a new perspective on these stories as most of the feedback I usually receive is from large corporations.

 

[Poultry Times]

Yeah cooking them always kills it. But you've got to be careful because chickens can get salmonella too. Weird, huh?

 

[lazy gardener]

The study is on poultry time's website, but I'll sum it up here. It was done by a professor at Penn State University. The flocks were all under 3000 birds and the researchers concluded that it was because coops under 3000 are not regulated by the government and may not follow certain cleaning protocol required by large corporations. A few requirements of the government are the following: intensive rodent control, cleaning and disinfecting between flocks, environmental monitoring of pullet and layer houses, continuous testing of eggs from any Salmonella-positive houses, and diverting eggs from Salmonella-positive houses for pasteurization.

Your data and test information is not pertinent to the back yard flock keeper. (IMO)

 

[bobbi-j]

So, you're still talking about large operations compared to your typical backyard or farm flock...

 

[Poultry Times]

Why not? People here don't have more than 3,000 chickens, do they?