This regulation caters for the acceleration in the eradication of the poultry, which is infected by Salmonella, in order to limit the spreading of such disease amongst the Maltese community. After the culling, the producer would be presented with a receipt stating the quantity of the birds and the products which were culled and destroyed. The producer would only be permitted to restock following the verification of negative results from official samples.
The producer would be eligible for compensation if the farm is fully licensed and he has given authorisation to the authorised personnel to ensure proper testing and sampling is made. In addition, the producer is asked to follow, to the best of his abilities, all advice, and recommendations regarding biosecurity measures to prevent Salmonella infection. Nonetheless, no use of antimicrobial agents should be permitted as a means to prevent Salmonella infection.
In order to be eligible for compensation, it is of utmost importance that none of the infected flocks, eggs feed or manure leave the farm. Compensation is calculated on the receipt, which is previously given to the producer, according to the rates issued by the Minister which vary from time to time. These shall not exceed the average market price of poultry or eggs for the previous three months. The compensation would be full if the farm is infected for the first time, however, if such occurrence is repeated the compensation would decrease accordingly. By the fourth time, no compensation would be granted to the producer. In addition, deductions shall be calculated according to the infringements made by the producer. Finally, the license would be revoked in the event of three repeated isolations of Salmonella.
This shall not be construed to be as advice but shall merely serve as a brief description of the preventative measures taken to prevent salmonella. If you would like to get to know more about this please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected].