Ministerial Decision no. 1209/30007 of 2012. Salmonellosis control programme in laying hens of the species Gallus gallus.

This Ministerial Decision concerns the approval and the implementation of the audit and control programme for certain public health serotypes of salmonella in all adult egg-producing flocks of the species Gallus gallus, in order to reduce spread of the disease and thus protect the species. The Decision specifies the bodies responsible for the implementation of the programme and for coordination of standards and methods: production holdings of laying hens, egg packing centres, the Division of Zoonotic Diseases of the Directorate of Animal Health, the Department of Veterinary Medicine, veterinary laboratories, and the Avian Pathology Department. The Decision specifies the factories and egg-producing premises excluded from the application of its measures, due to production limitation. Further matters covered by this Decision include: inspections and performance records of laying hen farms; notification of laboratory results and keeping data and information; restriction on prescription and use of anti-microbial drugs and substances against salmonella; measures for ensuring food safety and quality, and hygiene; specific biosecurity measures and disinfection procedures; slaughtering of poultry and hens in accordance with the National and European Law; compulsory vaccination; financial compensation; penalties and offences.