ARS | Publication request: Preharvest Strategies for Reducing Pathogen Levels in Animal Production Systems

Submitted to: Society of Industrial Microbiology Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 1, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Elimination or reduction of human enteric bacterial pathogens on processed meat products is difficult if not impossible when animals arrive at the processing plant with the pathogens in the intestinal tract or on the exterior of the animals. In order to control the pathogens during production, epidemiological studies need to be completed to identify critical steps and then effective intervention strategies have to be developed, tested, and implemented for each of these steps. Because of the complexity of the salmonellae and Campylobacter ecology and epidemiology on the farm and in the animal, it is likely that no single intervention will effectively control these organisms. This presentation will highlight the findings of a multi-state poultry epidemiology study and multiple intervention strategies designed to reduce on-farm salmonellae and Campylobacter. The need to increase biosecurity, control rodents, flies, insects and wild birds will be discussed. Effective chemical disinfection of eggs and hatching cabinets will be demonstrated. Studies using competitive exclusion to control environmental sources of salmonellae will be highlighted. Finally, a comprehensive on-farm intervention program which the U.S. poultry industry has agreed to test on a national basis will be presented.