Surveillance of Salmonella and antimicrobial resistance in industrial poultry enterprises: biofilm-forming strains and critical control points

<b>Introduction.</b> <i>Salmonella</i> contamination in the poultry industry poses substantial health risks, especially due to biofilm-forming strains that resist disinfection and antibiotic treatment. Biofilm-forming <i>Salmonella</i> strains are particularly challenging to control, as they adhere to surfaces in production environments, leading to persistent contamination. This study assesses the prevalence of <i>Salmonella</i>, examines antibiotic resistance patterns and evaluates biosecurity effectiveness at poultry farms in Kazakhstan.<b>Hypothesis/Gap Statement.</b> There is limited data on the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of biofilm-forming <i>Salmonella</i> strains in Kazakhstan's poultry industry, highlighting a need to characterize these strains to inform effective control measures.<b>Aim.</b> The purpose of this study was to systematically identify and characterize <i>Salmonella</i> strains, including biofilm-forming types, within industrial poultry enterprises in Kazakhstan.<b>Methodology.</b> A total of 660 samples were collected from various poultry production sites, including feed, water sources, cloacal flushes and shoe covers. <i>Salmonella</i> detection followed standardized protocols, and antibiotic sensitivity of identified strains was analysed to evaluate resistance patterns.<b>Results.</b> <i>Salmonella</i> was detected in 11.5% (95% CI) of the 660 samples, with the highest contamination observed in shoe covers, cloacal flushes, feed and water. This prevalence rate indicates a significant presence of the pathogen in the country's poultry production chain, falling between the higher rates seen in countries like China (22.2%) and Egypt (29.1%) and the lower rates observed in countries like Brazil (3.4%). The most prevalent strain was <i>Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum</i> (61.8%), followed by <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i> (18.4%) and <i>Salmonella enteritidis</i> (14.5%). Antibiotic sensitivity analysis revealed that <i>S. gallinarum-pullorum</i> was largely susceptible to common antibiotics, while <i>S. typhimurium</i> displayed considerable resistance, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments.<b>Conclusion.</b> The findings underscore the importance of strict sanitary and hygiene standards throughout poultry production, with a particular focus on managing biofilm-forming <i>Salmonella</i> strains. Implementing comprehensive Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points protocols is essential to address contamination hotspots effectively. Future studies should investigate genetic mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and resistance in <i>Salmonella</i> strains to inform targeted interventions, ultimately improving food safety and public health outcomes.