Practical solutions to pathogens in the dirty world of poultry

Authors: Stern, Norman; SVETOCH, EDWARD - ST RES CTR - RUSSIA

Submitted to: World Poultry Science Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2008
Publication Date: 7/1/2008
Citation: Stern, N.J., Svetoch, E. Practical solutions to pathogens in the dirty world of poultry. World Poultry Science Association Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: Both Salmonellae and Campylobacters are found in cattle, pigs, sheep, wild birds, rodents, insects, pets, poultry, humans and water. The presence of these pathogens in intensively-reared poultry depends upon when the initial transmission occurs. As multiple strains of Campylobacter routinely colonize poultry flocks this would indicate the comparatively easy-flow of pathogens into the production facility. Breeders held under strict quarantine are free of Campylobacter until placed into less secure conditions employed for rearing, at which time the majority are colonized. Typically, broiler flocks are not contaminated until they are 4 to 6 weeks of age, at which time Campylobacter is often found in 95% of the individuals tested at very high levels. Among the alternative on-farm interventions, biosecurity measures might delay the average onset of infection only by several days. Bacteriocin treatment over the last 2 or 3 days of broiler production consistently reduces the levels of pathogens by one-million fold. Bacteriocins provide the only practical published intervention effective against a wide array of both Salmonellae and Campylobacter strains.

Technical Abstract: As with Salmonellae, Campylobacters are found in cattle, pigs, sheep, wild birds, rodents, insects, pets, poultry, humans and water. The frequency and level in intensively-reared poultry reflects upon when the initial transmission event occurs. In most developed countries, multiple strains of Campylobacter routinely colonize poultry flocks indicating the comparatively easy-flow of pathogens into the production facility. Indeed, breeders held under the strictest of quarantine regimen are free of Campylobacter until placed under only good biosecurity conditions employed for rearing, at which time the majority are colonized prior to sexual maturity and thereafter. Typically, broiler flocks are not found contaminated until they are 4 to 6 weeks of age, at which time the bacterium often is found in 95% of the individuals tested at levels in excess of 8 log10 per g feces. Among all of the alternative published interventions, biosecurity measures might delay the average onset of infection by several days with enormous levels of Campylobacters observed thereafter. Bacteriocin treatment over the last 2 or 3 days of broiler production consistently reduces the levels of pathogens by one-million fold. Bacteriocins provide the only practical published intervention effective against a wide array of both Salmonellae and Campylobacter isolates.