Epidemiological Study on the Colonization of Chickens with Campylobacter in Broiler Farms in Malaysia : Possible Risk and Management Factors

摘要

Nineteen chicken flocks from ten broiler farms were studied for the colonization of Campylobacter . A variety of factors such as farm location and chicken house structure, water source, rearing practice and hygiene management were investigated. Each flock was sampled weekly, from day-old-chicks to slaughter-age chickens and environmental samples which include water, feed, wood shavings, flies and chicken house environment were collected to examine for the presence of Campylobacter . In all farms, Campylobacter was not detected in one- and seven-day-old chicks. Campylobacter was first detected in 38.2% of 14-day-old-chicks and 45.3% of 21-day-old chickens. Samples of feed, wood shavings, flies and chicken house environment were all negative while only 1.5% of untreated water supplies were found positive for campylobacters. Prevalence of campylobacters` colonization was possibly associated with untreated water, presence of other animals and unhygienic management practices; also flying birds could be a source as they were found to harbour campylobacters; in one farm where `fishing net` was placed over the chicken house to prevent birds from entering, Campylobacter was not isolated in the chickens up to slaughter age.