Tenacity of Enterococcus cecorum at different environmental conditions

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Poultry Science

Background:

• Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is an opportunistic pathogen causing significant issues in poultry farming.
• Understanding EC environmental persistence is crucial for effective disease control in broiler operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the survival of Enterococcus cecorum (EC) under various environmental conditions relevant to broiler houses.
• To assess the influence of temperature, relative humidity, and substrate on EC longevity.

Main Methods:

• Inoculation of sterile litter, PVC, and dust with pathogenic and non-pathogenic EC strains.
• Incubation at different temperatures (37°C, 25°C, 15°C) and relative humidities (32% RH, 78% RH).
• Monitoring of viable EC counts over time (up to 4272 hours).

Main Results:

• Enterococcus cecorum exhibited extended survival, with a maximum of 4272 hours (178 days) recorded.
• Survival was highest on litter, followed by dust, and lowest on PVC.
• Lower temperatures (15°C) and specific humidity levels (32% RH) significantly enhanced EC persistence.
• Pathogenic EC strains demonstrated longer survival times than non-pathogenic strains.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus cecorum possesses remarkable environmental persistence, particularly under cool and dry conditions (15°C and 32% RH).
• The environmental durability of EC necessitates comprehensive hygiene management plans to mitigate transmission and prevent recurrent outbreaks in broiler flocks.