As one of the most affordable and nutritious protein sources available, eggs play a vital role in feeding the world’s growing population. Yet this essential food commodity faces persistent threats from poultry diseases that can impact production systems, disrupt supply chain continuity, and compromise food safety and consumer trust. Understanding how the industry addresses these obstacles is crucial to maintaining the reliable egg supply that millions depend upon.
Navigating disease challenges to maintain production stability
Poultry producers must navigate a range of disease concerns, each with varying impacts on food security. Newcastle disease virus and Salmonella are foremost among the pathogens impacting poultry health and egg market stability.
Newcastle disease is a significant concern in poultry production globally, affecting flock health. This contagious disease can impact both commercial and small-scale farms, influencing supply chains and international trade. In regions where Newcastle disease is enzootic, mortality rates can be high, particularly among birds aged between 21 and 28 days. Understanding and managing these challenges is key to maintaining healthy flocks and stable production.
Meanwhile, salmonellosis poses a direct threat to egg safety and, by extension, consumer confidence. With more than 79,000 Salmonella infections reported in humans in Europe alone according to the EFSA’s 2024 Zoonoses Report[1], salmonellosis remains one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases. The most important strains found in human cases are Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, which are both frequently associated with poultry products such as eggs and poultry meat. The repercussions extend beyond food safety into healthcare costs and lost productivity, emphasizing the need for rigorous control measures.
Economic impact and food security imperatives
The economic effects of these diseases reach beyond the farm itself. As discussed above, human salmonellosis cases, for example, contribute significantly to healthcare costs and productivity losses, with the European Food Safety Authority estimating the annual impact at up to three billion euros[2]. Likewise, Newcastle disease influences the poultry industry not only through direct farm losses but also through challenges such as reduced supply to slaughterhouses, disrupted customer relationships, and reputational impacts on businesses. Understanding these factors is essential for supporting a resilient poultry sector.
These economic considerations are closely linked to broader concerns around food security. Interruptions in poultry production can affect the availability and affordability of eggs and poultry meat, which are important sources of nutrition for many communities. By managing these diseases effectively, producers can help ensure a stable supply of safe, high-quality products for consumers. Additionally, proactive disease control supports the sustainability of poultry farming, helping to safeguard livelihoods and maintain confidence across the supply chain. Collaborative efforts between farmers, industry stakeholders, and public health authorities remain key to addressing these challenges and promoting a robust poultry sector.
Building long-term resilience
Today’s poultry industry has developed sophisticated strategies to maintain both egg availability and safety. Effective disease control relies on multiple interconnected approaches, with vaccination serving as a cornerstone of modern prevention programmes.
For Newcastle disease, recent advances in vaccine technology, particularly recombinant vector vaccines, have transformed disease prevention. Unlike traditional live vaccines, which can be affected by maternal antibodies and uneven administration, vector vaccines deliver consistent, early active immunity, even in day-old chicks. This early onset of protection is vital in high-pressure environments, reducing the vulnerable window where virus circulation and transmission are highest.
For Salmonella control, two main vaccine types are used: inactivated vaccines, which require injection and mainly induce systemic immunity, and vaccines administered through drinking water multiple times early in life to stimulate both systemic and local immunity. Proper administration within the first week is critical for effective and lasting protection. Despite past successes, Salmonella prevalence in laying hens has risen recently in some European countries, highlighting the need for strict monitoring and adherence to vaccination protocols.
Vaccination is only one part of a broader Salmonella control strategy that includes rigorous biosecurity measures and thorough cleaning and disinfection. This holistic approach aligns with the One Health concept, recognising that controlling zoonotic pathogens in poultry directly reduces human disease risks. Collaboration across the entire production chain is essential to maintain low Salmonella levels and ensure the safe and reliable supply of eggs to consumers.
In an era of increasing global interconnectedness and evolving poultry production systems, the fight against poultry diseases requires an integrated, forward-thinking approach. The resilience of the egg market, and by extension global food security, depends on sustained commitment to innovation, rigorous management practices, and industry-wide cooperation. By embracing this multifaceted strategy, the poultry sector can not only mitigate current disease challenges but also build adaptive capacity against future threats, ultimately safeguarding a vital source of nutrition for populations worldwide.
1 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/plain-language-summary/european-union-one-health-2024-zoonoses-report
2 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/salmonella
