The effect of transportation stress on excretion rates of campylobacters in market-age broilers

We determined the effects of transportation distance and holding times at a commercial slaughter facility on excretion rates of Campylobacter spp. in broilers. Fecal samples from broilers in each of 10 flocks were obtained at the following three sampling points: at the farms, following transportation, and after holding at the plant. The farms examined were divided into two groups based on distances and transport times to the plant. The prevalence and levels of Campylobacter spp. were evaluated for all specimens taken at the three sampling points. A statistically significant increase in counts was observed in samples from both groups following transportation (P < 0.05). The resting period at the abattoir prior to slaughter did not significantly reduce rates of Campylobacter spp. shedding in the flocks examined. Differences in distance travelled and transport durations between the two groups was not found to be a statistically significant factor in altering excretion rates of the organism. The present study demonstrated that transport-induced stress increased shedding of Campylobacter spp. in fecal material of broilers that may subsequently result in extensive carcass contamination.