Prevalence of Salmonella serotypes isolated from clinical samples in chicken farms and meat in slaughterhouses in South Korea.

Salmonella contamination in poultry is a major public health concern worldwide. This study examined the prevalence and serotype distribution of Salmonella in clinical samples from poultry farms and in fecal and carcass samples from slaughterhouses in South Korea. A total of 525 samples were collected, including 33 clinical samples from broiler chicks and 492 samples from slaughterhouses. Salmonella was detected in 79 % of clinical samples, with S. Westhampton identified as the most prevalent serovar. In slaughterhouse samples, 9 % tested positive, with higher contamination in carcasses (15 %) than in fecal samples (4 %) (P < 0.05). S. Enteritidis was the only serovar present in all three sample types, reinforcing its significance in poultry and human infections. Seasonal variations showed increased Salmonella prevalence in slaughterhouses during warmer months, underscoring the need for enhanced control measures. These findings highlight the importance of biosecurity in farms and strict hygiene protocols in processing facilities to reduce Salmonella contamination in poultry production.