In laying hens, what is the typical outcome of Salmonella enteritidis infection?

• A. Causes severe disease
• B. Usually no illness and no mortality
• C. High mortality
• D. No infection occurs

Answer: (B)

Salmonella enteritidis commonly behaves as a subclinical infection in laying hens. Many adult hens harbor the organism in the intestinal and reproductive tracts without showing illness or increased mortality. This silent carriage means they can shed bacteria and potentially contaminate eggs, even though the birds themselves appear healthy. Because of this, the typical outcome is that there is no illness and no mortality in the hens, while there remains a risk of egg contamination. In contrast, overt severe disease or high mortality is not the usual scenario in laying flocks, and saying no infection occurs would be inaccurate since the bacteria can be present and shed even without symptoms.