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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania » Eastern Regional Research Center » Food Safety and Intervention Technologies Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #235107
Title: The Impact of Wild Birds and Farm Management on Salmonella and Campylobacter in Small Ruminants

Author
item WILDESU, S. - VIRGINIA STATE UNIV.
item HAGENS, B. - UNIV. OF MARYLAND E.S.
item WHITLEY, N. - NORTH CAROLINA A&T UNIV
item PAO, S. - VIRGINIA STATE UNIV.
item Luchansky, John

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/11/2008
Publication Date: 4/1/2009
Citation: WWildesu,S.,Hagens,B. Whitley, N. Pao.S.,Luchansky, J. 2009. The Impact of Wild Birds and Farm Management on Salmonella and Campylobacter in Small Ruminants [abstract].15th Biennial Research Symposium of the Assn. of Research Directors,Inc. Atlanta, GA. p.1.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Wild-birds are potential sources of enteric disease infections in farm animals. This study was designed to evaluate the potential pathways and control of foodborne pathogen transmission between wild-birds and farm animals. At two farms, a total of 14 one-acre pastures were fenced to each host 12 sheep and goats. For the control group, pastures were set-up with open water tubs and grain pans to feed animals and attract wild birds. In contrast, the treatment group used nipple-waterers and custom feed pans. Fecal and water samples were taken every two weeks in May-June and October-November for two years. The samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter using selective plating, immunoassays, and/or biochemical confirmation techniques. From small ruminants and captured wild birds, respectively, 2379 and 393 fecal samples were collected for pathogen detection. Campylobacter spp. were found in 6.5 and 8.7% of the fecal samples from small ruminants and wild birds respectively. C. jejuni was isolated from 87 and 91% of corresponding positive samples. Salmonella spp. were only found in 1.1% of feces from small ruminants and 0.3% of wild birds. Although wild birds were more attracted to the feeding areas in pastures with open water tubs and grain pans, there was no significant difference in pathogen prevalence between control and treatment animal groups.