IPSF: E faecalis hotspots in the hatchery

26 May 2026

1 minute read

By: Chris Wright

[Excerpts of a presentation by Nathaniel Miller and colleagues at Mississippi State University, Oregon State University, Cargill, and Pecking Around Consulting, USA, during the 2026 International Poultry Scientific Forum]

Enterococcus faecalis (EF) is increasingly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in commercial broiler production, contributing to embryo and early chick mortality and poor performance in birds less than one week old. Its persistence and antimicrobial resistance underscore the need to identify hatchery contamination sources to improve sanitation strategies. This study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of EF in a commercial broiler hatchery in Mississippi to identify reservoirs requiring enhanced cleaning and disinfection. 

A cross-sectional design was used to assess eighteen sample types representing potential contamination or transmission sites: feathers and visibly clean and dirty eggs from the egg room; feathers and eggs in incubators; hatcher residues; air samples from incubator, hatcher, and chick processing halls; chick processing belts; cleaned chick boxes; tray wash dip tank; transport trays (with and without chicks); and yolk sac and cloacal swabs from pips and cull chicks. Bacterial identification was performed.  

Nearly all sampled areas tested positive for EF. In total, 95% of eggs were positive (storage room and incubator eggs). All feathers and hatch residues were positive, with variations in the type of growth. Air samples from incubator halls showed light growth, whereas hatcher and chick processing areas exhibited heavy growth. 

Among chick samples, 26.7% of yolk sacs and 100% of cloacal swabs were positive, with the highest incidence of yolk sac infection occurring in chicks from the oldest parent flock. Cleaned chick boxes were also contaminated. The tray wash dip tank and cleaned hatch trays were the only EF-free sites. 

In conclusion, Enterococcus faecalis was widespread throughout the hatchery environment, with major sources identified as eggshell surfaces, feathers, and airborne particulate matter. Improved egg pack hygiene and hatchery biosecurity and targeted cleaning protocols in egg-handling and chick-processing areas are essential to reduce the environmental persistence and early chick colonization of the bacteria.