Conclusion
Biosecurity and sanitation are the most effective deterrents against an infectious incursion
in most animal agriculture production systems. Mail-order hatcheries are no exception to
that rule. Effective practices will help hatchery operators avoid possible scrutiny and even
legal litigation, enhance their credibility and reputation for distributing disease-free
chicks/poults, and increase profit margins. Additional keys to success are continuously
providing adequate and thorough training to employees, documenting each step, and
consistently applying quality sanitation checks. Overall, reducing Salmonella contamination
at the hatchery, along with proper handling of live poultry by those purchasing birds, will
result in fewer people becoming ill