Prevalence of Salmonella infection of broiler-chicken farms in Morocco

The aim of the present study was to assess the association of managerial practices and general hygiene and their impact on Salmonella infection of 25 broiler farms around Meknes (Morocco). A questionnaire was submitted to the farmers from September 2005 to October 2007 and samples of fresh broiler dropping were taken. Results indicate that 24% of the farms are infected by Salmonella spp.; 11 risk factors out of the 24 tested are associated with Salmonella infection of the farm. The specific risk factors for infection of broiler farms are linked to inadequate hygienic measures. Salmonella infection of the previous flock and of day-old chicks increases the risk of Salmonella infection. Using antibiotics on day-old chicks and a detergent for cleaning decreases the risk of contamination.