Poultry Meat Hygiene with Reference to the EEC Directive

Food safety management in broiler meat production

“…is currently the biggest identified cause of bacterial infectious intestinal disease in the UK (FSA, 2003). Thirteen species of Campylobacter have been recognized (Bremner and Saunders, 1996). Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli have both been isolated from poultry the former being the most common and are considered to be of major importance as human pathogens.…”

“…Various routes of infection have been suggested (FSA, 2005b) including domestic and/or pest or wild animals, inadequate biosecurity by personnel or contaminated water and feed. In drinking water systems there is the potential for Campylobacter where bore‐holes are used and it can survive in the biofilms on pipes (Bremner and Saunders, 1996; Sprenger, 2002). Uncovered water storage tanks could be contaminated by birds or small animals and water systems can also cause bird to bird spread.…”

“…Uncovered water storage tanks could be contaminated by birds or small animals and water systems can also cause bird to bird spread. Bremner and Saunders (1996) suggest that feed is not considered to be a source of infection, but stored feed could be contaminated by wild birds or animals. Other routes of infection could be inadequate terminal hygiene causing carry‐over from a previous flock, contaminated equipment including transport crates and vehicles; or feed withdrawal causing an imbalance in intestinal flora.…”