Detection of Salmonella spp. in clinical and food samples from poultry (2020–2025): a broiler farm outbreak case study - highlighting biosecurity and economic implications

Abstract

This study analyzed the positive rate of Salmonella spp. in chicken primary production and food samples examined at the Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia between 2020 and 2025 and evaluated biosecurity measures on a broiler farm during an outbreak. A total of 2,728 primary production samples and 6,289 food samples were tested. Salmonella was detected in 3.23% of the primary output and 9.76% of food samples, with S. Enteritidis being the most common serovar. A detailed biosecurity assessment of the affected farm revealed an overall score of 90%, surpassing national and global averages, yet it identified critical gaps in broiler depopulation, carcass removal, and cleaning protocols. An economic analysis showed a loss exceeding 58.2% per production cycle of 10,000 broilers due to market restrictions following Salmonella detection. These findings highlight the need for continuous biosecurity improvements and rigorous surveillance to mitigate Salmonella risk and reduce financial impacts in poultry production.