Experimental studies were undertaken to fill the gaps in knowledge and better inform on the question of whether storage at 15°C or less for a shelf life of 35 days is necessary to protect consumers of New Zealand eggs from salmonellosis. The study identifies that internalisation of salmonella into eggs does not increases over storage time. No Salmonella was detected in egg contents (albumen or yolk) during 35 days storage at both 15°C and 22°C

To better understand the risk posed by Salmonella on eggs in New Zealand, and allow comparisons with Australian data, this study performed a baseline survey of Salmonella prevalence in the egg production environment. Overall prevalence of Salmonella in New Zealand layer environment was lower than found in studies testing similar samples in Australia. The most prevalent serotypes in this survey are rarely associated with human infections.

Report on the 2018 New Zealand Colony Loss Survey infographic A4

Report on the 2018 New Zealand Colony Loss Survey infographic

Report on the 2018 New Zealand Colony Loss Survey

Surveillance is published as the Ministry for Primary Industries’ authoritative source
of information on the ongoing biosecurity surveillance activity and the health status of
New Zealand’s animal and plant populations in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
It reports information of interest both locally and internationally and complements
New Zealand’s international reporting.