Potential for Reduction in Colonization of Poultry by Campylobacter fromEnvironmental Sources

摘要

The isolation rate of Campylobacter jejuni from cloacal vent swabs of 49-day-oldbroiler chickens at a poultry farm in southern England was 1,194/1,500 (80%) in a 0.25%-0.5% sample take weekly between May and September 1986. Campylobacter was cultured from birds housed in 18 of the 22 poultry sheds tested and from several species of small mammals. No Campylobacter was isolated from the air, water, feed, litter, equipment surfaces, or other environmental samples. However, direct microscopy revealed spiral bacteria in the drinking water, and an indirect fluorescent antibody approach demonstrated Campylobacter organisms in the water supply system and in feed and litter that had been exposed to the birds. An investigation was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of reducing colonization by Campylobacter. Efforts were directed at improving hygienics, including: increased chlorination of the water supply, descaling or replacement of reservoirs, supply lines, and drinkers, high pressure/hot water washing, treatment with quaternary ammonium compound, and the withdrawal of the prophylactic antibiotic, Furazolidone, from the feed.