Britain’s poultry Salmonella controls are keeping infection in commercial flocks at exceptionally low levels, but the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is warning producers that rigorous sampling and biosecurity remain essential as human cases rise and imported eggs come under investigation.
APHA figures show that just 0.43% of GB laying-hen flocks tested positive for regulated Salmonella in 2025, while the rate in broiler flocks was 0.004%, or less than 0.01%. The agency says these are among the lowest rates in Europe and that prevalence has fallen significantly since statutory National Control Programmes (NCPs) were introduced in 2007.
The figures provide an important domestic backdrop to a wider public health problem. Salmonella cases in England reached a 10-year high in 2025, yet APHA says that rise has not been mirrored in animal surveillance, and there is no evidence linking the increase to UK poultry or eggs.
Imported eggs linked to Salmonella investigation
That distinction has become even more significant during the current Salmonella investigation. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other partners, including APHA, are investigating 3 clusters, which evidence suggests may be linked to imported eggs.
Latest official figures show that 622 people have been affected and 2 people have died. The eggs came from multiple sources, with 2 large importers being investigated further. Genetic relatedness of the clusters suggests that the illnesses are associated with eating imported eggs at restaurants, cafes and takeaways.
The precise causes have not yet been identified, and the FSA says there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.
Sampling remains key to early detection
Stella Ntachampre, veterinary advisor at APHA, said the strength of the domestic system depends on every flock sample being taken correctly and on schedule. Farmers and keepers are responsible for ongoing environmental sampling under the NCP, with samples tested at approved laboratories to internationally recognised standards.
Accurate sampling gives APHA and its partners the surveillance data needed to detect problems early, understand changes in risk and respond before contaminated products can move through the food chain. APHA field staff and partners also make official visits to check compliance, biosecurity and sampling techniques.
Biosecurity starts on the farm
Prevention, however, starts well before laboratory testing, she said. APHA identifies clean housing, controlled access, safe feed and water, effective pest control and good hygiene as core farm biosecurity measures. These are particularly important because Salmonella can be introduced through environmental contamination, wild birds, rodents and other breaches in biosecurity.
If a regulated strain is detected, APHA investigates the case with the farmer and implements statutory controls. These can include restrictions on the movement of affected flocks and eggs, alongside coordination with private vets, local authorities, food standards and public health teams.
Surveillance extends along the supply chain
Surveillance also extends beyond the farm gate. APHA’s One Health work includes oversight of egg packing centres through egg marketing inspectors, while food businesses are responsible for maintaining standards further along the supply chain.
Producers, she said, needed to remain vigilant. The very low prevalence recorded in British flocks demonstrates what coordinated surveillance, routine testing and farm biosecurity can achieve, but APHA stresses that the system works only when producers, vets, laboratories, assurance schemes and regulators continue to play their part.
With imported eggs under investigation in a significant human outbreak, protecting that record is also increasingly important to maintaining confidence in British-produced eggs and poultry.
