Sustainable biosecurity: harnessing natural sanitisers for hatching egg sanitation

Maintaining rigorous hygiene standards in poultry breeder farms before sending eggs to the hatcheries is essential to prevent pathogen transmission, maximise hatchability, and ensure the production of healthy chicks. Conventional synthetic sanitisers or disinfectants, although effective, raise concerns regarding environmental impact, the development of antimicrobial resistance, and potential toxic residues. This review summarises current evidence on the use of natural sanitisers as sustainable alternatives for hatching egg sanitation, with particular attention to their mechanisms of action, antimicrobial spectrum, and effects on hatchability and chick quality. Plant-derived extracts such as thymol, carvacrol, cinnamon, ginger, and other essential oils, as well as organic acids (e.g. lactic and citric acid) and bee-derived products like propolis, have demonstrated significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against key hatchery pathogens, including Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Evidence indicates that these agents can substantially reduce microbial contamination on eggshell surfaces while maintaining embryo viability and posthatch performance. Their biodegradability and favourable safety profile make them promising candidates for integration into biosecurity programs, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. Further research is required to standardise application protocols, assess long-term efficacy under commercial conditions, and evaluate cost-effectiveness to support their broader adoption in the poultry industry.