Project Number: 6612-32000-068-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jun 07, 2012
End Date: Jun 06, 2017

Objective:
1. Evaluate novel chemicals, operational protocols, and sampling methodologies used during poultry production and processing of broilers for the reduction and/or control of foodborne pathogens. Develop a model or assay that can evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on the reduction of the prevalence or pathogen load of foodborne pathogens through production and processing (effectiveness of interventions). 1.1. Assessment of novel chemical sprays, brushes, intermittent scalding / defeathering on decontamination of Salmonella and Campylobacter from floor pen challenged broilers through processing following immersion chilling. 1.2. Develop a day-of-processing challenge model for the RRC pilot processing. 1.3. Evaluate the efficacy of novel combination chemical sanitizers on the removal of Salmonella from hatching eggs and the progressive cleanliness through single stage setters/hatcher systems to the broiler growout farm. 2. Identify and evaluate specific risk factors in the production and management, transport, or processing environments that are correlated with bird/egg contamination of foodborne pathogens. Evaluate how these risk factors affect the movement and persistence of foodborne pathogens in poultry and poultry products and develop potential intervention and control strategies. 2.1. Evaluate feeding programs for broilers during brooding and rearing that promote resistance to Salmonella and Campylobacter colonization and diminish flock persistence of these pathogens at slaughter age. 2.2. Evaluate pullet feed restriction and distribution programs that promote resistance to Salmonella and Campylobacter colonization and diminish persistence with the onset of lay.

Approach:
Campylobacter challenged broilers through processing following immersion chilling and the efficacy of novel combination chemical sanitizers on the removal of Salmonella from hatching eggs and the progressive cleanliness through single stage setters/hatcher systems to the broiler growout farm are the approaches for Objective 1. Evaluation of feeding programs for broilers during brooding and rearing that promote resistance to Salmonella and Campylobacter colonization and diminish flock persistence of these pathogens at slaughter age and pullet feed restriction and distribution programs that promote resistance to Salmonella and Campylobacter colonization and diminish persistence with the onset of lay are the approaches for Objective 2.