Risk factors and likelihood of Campylobacter colonization in broiler flocks

Abstract

Campylobacter was investigated in cecal droppings, feces, and cloacal swabs of 22 flocks of 3 to 5 week-old broilers. Risk factors and the likelihood of the presence of this agent in these flocks were determined. Management practices, such as cleaning and disinfection, feeding, drinkers, and litter treatments, were assessed. Results were evaluated using Odds Ratio (OR) test, and their significance was tested by Fisher's test (p<0.05). A Campylobacter prevalence of 81.8% was found in the broiler flocks (18/22), and within positive flocks, it varied between 85 and 100%. Campylobacter incidence among sample types was homogenous, being 81.8% in cecal droppings, 80.9% in feces, and 80.4% in cloacal swabs (230). Flocks fed by automatic feeding systems presented higher incidence of Campylobacter as compared to those fed by tube feeders. Litter was reused in 63.6% of the farm, and, despite the lack of statistical significance, there was higher likelihood of Campylobacter incidence when litter was reused. Foot bath was not used in 45.5% of the flocks, whereas the use of foot bath associated to deficient lime management increased the number of positive flocks, although with no statiscal significance. The evaluated parameters were not significantly associated with Campylobacter colonization in the assessed broiler flocks

Review of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment in Poultry Meat: The Central Position of Consumer Behavior

“…Identification of risk factors along the meat chain causing microbial contamination or growth [ 77 , 78 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 87 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 97 , 98 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 ,…”

The pattern of Campylobacter contamination on broiler farms; external and internal sources

“…Once introduced, Campylobacter rapidly spreads in a flock and can be readily detected in the intestinal tract of broilers at levels of up to 10 9 CFU g −1 (Kuana et al . ).…”

“…Broiler flocks are not usually colonized before 2 weeks of age, (Kuana et al . ; Hansson et al . ) with colonization typically occurring between 2–3 weeks (Huneau‐Salaün et al .…”

“…However, controlling Campylobacter onfarm is complex as the pathogen can persist in a variety of environments and hosts (Lin 2009;EFSA 2011;Silva et al 2011). Broiler flocks are not usually colonized before 2 weeks of age, (Kuana et al 2007;Hansson et al 2010) with colonization typically occurring between 2-3 weeks (Huneau-Sala€ un et al 2007). Once introduced, Campylobacter rapidly spreads in a flock and can be readily detected in the intestinal tract of broilers at levels of up to 10 9 CFU g À1 (Kuana et al 2007).…”

The impacts of biosecurity measures on Campylobacter contamination in broiler houses and slaughterhouses in the Netherlands: A simulation modelling approach

“…Approximately 60-80% of human campylobacteriosis cases in the Netherlands can be attributed to broiler chicken as a reservoir (Mughini-Gras et al, 2016). Chicken intestines provide ideal conditions for Campylobacter growth, reaching levels of around 10 9 colony forming units (CFU) per gram in the chicken caeca (Kuana et al, 2007). It is crucial to prevent Campylobacter from spreading on farms before it begins spreading throughout the food supply (Lin, 2009;Mbabazi, 2011;Sibanda et al, 2018).…”