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Title: CAMPYLOBACTER RECOVERY FROM THE SURFACE AND INTERNAL ORGANS OF COMMERCIAL BROILER CARCASSES

Author
item Berrang, Mark
item Buhr, Richard - Jeff
item Cason Jr, John

Submitted to: Poultry Science Association Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: BERRANG, M.E., BUHR, R.J., CASON JR, J.A. CAMPYLOBACTER RECOVERY FROM THE SURFACE AND INTERNAL ORGANS OF COMMERCIAL BROILER CARCASSES. POULTRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION MEETING ABSTRACT. 1999.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Campylobacter is a human pathogen commonly found on live broilers and processed carcasses. In order to plan effective intervention strategies, it would be helpful to know what Campylobacter populations are associated with the surface and internal organs of broilers. Six broiler carcasses were collected after exiting the bleed tunnel at a commercial broiler plant on each of three visits (n=18). All carcasses were individually bagged in sterile plastic bags, sealed and covered with ice for transport to the laboratory. Five samples were aseptically removed from each carcass: breast feathers (hand picked from the sternal tracts), breast skin underlying the sternal tracts, crop, ceca and colon. All samples, including the surface contamination or contents, were covered with phosphate buffered saline and blended. Serial dilutions were made for examination of Campylobacter, coliform, E. coli and total aerobic bacterial populations. Average sample weights (g) were: feathers:1.5, skin:6.5, crop:5.1, ceca:7.8, colon:3.1. Bacterial results are reported as mean log10 colony forming units per gram of sample. Campylobacter populations found were: feathers:5.4, skin:3.8, crop:4.7, ceca:7.3, colon:7.2. Coliform / E. coli populations observed were: feathers:6.4 / 6.0, skin:5.3 / 4.9, crop:4.3 / 3.7, ceca:6.6 / 6.2, colon:5.8 / 5.3. Total aerobic bacterial populations found were: feathers:7.9, skin:7.1, crop:5.8, ceca:6.8, colon:6.4. Prior to carcass scalding, aerobic bacteria were recovered in greatest numbers from feathers and skin, while Campylobacter was recovered at the lowest level from skin.