A comparison of immersion-based and spray-based crate washing systems on the impact of Campylobacter spp. reduction

1.During transport of broilers from farms to slaughterhouses, the interior of crates may become contaminated with faeces. When these crates are not cleaned and disinfected adequately, they pose a potential risk for the dissemination of pathogens, including Campylobacter spp., between slaughterhouses and farms.2. The aim of the trial was to compare the efficacy of immersion-based crate washing systems with a spray-based washing system in reducing Campylobacter spp. Therefore, the crate washing systems in two slaughterhouses were sampled. In one of these two slaughterhouses, the immersion-based crate washing system was replaced by a new spray-based system which was sampled. Samples were collected from the slaughterhouse equipment, the crate washing system as well as from the crates both before and after cleaning and disinfection (C&D). All samples were screened for the presence of Campylobacter spp.; water and crate samples were used for enumeration. Molecular typing was performed to investigate the source and routes of contamination.3. In all cases, crates were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. prior to washing. However, only the spray-based system achieved a significant reduction after C&D Molecular typing revealed that the same strains were present on the crates after C&D as before cleaning. Additionally, crates could become contaminated by previously cleaned crates via wash water in the immersion-based crate washing system.