Salmonella

Following a 12 month survey to establish the baseline for Salmonella in the animal species a target is agreed for its reduction in the Member States.

Member States aim to meet these targets through an agreed National Control Programme (NCP). Although the Commission sets a framework, it is likely that these programmes will vary to some extent between the countries. This is due to different circumstances, whilst achieving the same aim.

These NCPs are established to protect human health by achieving agreed targets through auditable 3 year programmes. The programmes reduce the prevalence of certain zoonoses in animal populations at primary production level, and where necessary, other stages of the food chain. They cover farm animal species which present a potential risk of  transmitting Salmonella and other zoonotic agents to humans. These are currently restricted to poultry (breeding flocks of Gallus gallus, laying hens, broilers and turkeys) and pigs (herds of slaughter and breeding pigs). The Zoonoses Regulation provides the framework for adding zoonotic agents other than Salmonella, and other animal species, in the future.

NCPs are in place for Breeders, Layers, Broilers and Turkeys. Full details on the timetable for implementation and copies of the NCPs can be found on this link below:

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - Salmonella (external link)