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The carry-over of Campylobacter isolates between sequential poultry flocks
J E Shreeve1, M Toszeghy, A Ridley
1Veterinary Laboratories Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom.
Avian Diseases
|June 14, 2002
Summary
Campylobacter carry-over between broiler flocks is infrequent, suggesting routine cleaning effectively reduces contamination. Molecular typing confirmed low levels of strain persistence within broiler houses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary microbiology
- Molecular epidemiology
- Poultry science
Background:
- Campylobacter is a significant pathogen in poultry.
- Understanding Campylobacter transmission between flocks is crucial for food safety.
- Previous studies on intra-house transmission are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of Campylobacter strain carry-over between sequential broiler flocks within the same houses.
- To assess the effectiveness of standard broiler house hygiene practices in eliminating Campylobacter.
Main Methods:
- Molecular epidemiological techniques were employed.
- 524 Campylobacter strains from 60 broiler houses with sequential flocks were analyzed.
- Restriction fragment polymorphism of flaA and flaB genes (fla typing) and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were used for strain typing.
Main Results:
- Identical Campylobacter genotypes were found in 21% of houses with sequential positive flocks using fla typing.
- PFGE confirmed identical strains in 16% of houses overall.
- Low levels of strain carry-over suggest effective cleaning or external reservoirs.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter carry-over between successive broiler flocks in the same house is infrequent.
- Routine broiler house cleansing and disinfection appear largely adequate for Campylobacter elimination.
- Persistent external sources may also contribute to low-level contamination.