Surge in Salmonella Infections in the Netherlands
A new report from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reveals a significant and concerning increase in infections caused by the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis. According to the latest data, 2024 saw the number of reported infections double compared to the levels recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The surge in 2024 is attributed to a high frequency of small, independent infection clusters scattered across the country, rather than a single large-scale outbreak. In parallel with the rise in human cases, a sharp increase in the prevalence of the pathogen was identified within the laying hen sector. This increased prevalence in poultry has led to higher public exposure through contaminated table eggs, which remain the primary transmission route. Preliminary data indicates that this upward trend has continued through the early months of 2025.
Due to the escalating risk to public health, a specialized Response Team was convened in March 2025 to formulate urgent recommendations for government ministries. Following these recommendations, the poultry industry has implemented additional intervention measures specifically targeting laying hen flocks.
