The results of a new study from researchers in Belgium suggest that any shift from conventional to alternative housing systems for laying hens should be accompanied by a keen concern for optimizing and maintaining Salmonella surveillance programs, due to an increased risk of bird-to-bird transmission and internal egg contamination in some non-traditional housing systems.

 The study, “Effect of Housing on Transmission of Salmonella,” will appear in the July issue (Vol. 90; doi:10.3382/ps.2010-00944) of Poultry Science, said the Poultry Science Association (PSA), which publishes the journal.