Salmonella Trends in Poultry in Great Britain, 2024
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) annual report shows notable shifts in Salmonella isolations across poultry species in Great Britain during 2024.
In chickens, isolations fell sharply to 1,961 cases, a 25.5% reduction compared with 2023. The predominant serovars were Salmonella Idikan (34.6%), S. Kedougou (19.5%), and S. Montevideo (15.7%). Reports of S. Enteritidis remained low, with only 12 isolations recorded. The prevalence of regulated serovars in breeding, laying, and broiler flocks remained well below national targets, reflecting the continued effectiveness of the National Control Programmes.
In turkeys, Salmonella isolations were stable, with 108 cases compared to 109 in 2023. The leading serovars were S. Anatum and S. Kedougou (each 19.4%), followed by S. Agona (18.5%) and S. Typhimurium (12%). The Great Britain prevalence of regulated serovars in turkeys also stayed below the statutory thresholds, with 0.32% in fatteners and 0.67% in breeders.
In contrast, isolations from ducks more than doubled, reaching 196 in 2024 compared with 96 in 2023. The increase was linked to expanded voluntary surveillance in the duck industry. The majority of isolates were S. Indiana (75%), with smaller proportions of S. Newport and S. Kottbus. Only a single Salmonella isolation was reported from geese during the year.
These results highlight both progress and challenges in controlling Salmonella across poultry sectors. While chickens and turkeys show stable or improving trends under National Control Programmes, ducks exhibited a marked rise in isolations, underscoring the impact of surveillance intensity on reported prevalence.
