House-Level Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Campylobacter in Broilers in Iceland

Authors: GUERIN, M - UNIV OF GUELPH; MARTIN, S - UNIV OF GUELPH; REIERSEN, J - AG AGENCY OF ICELAND; BERKE, O - UNIV OF GUELPH; MCEWEN, S - UNIV OF GUELPH; BISAILLON, J - CANADIAN FOOD INSP AG; LOWMAN, R - CANADIAN FOOD INSP AG; MICHEL, P - PUBLIC HEALTH AG OF CANAD; Stern, Norman; Hiett, Kelli

Submitted to: Campylobacter Helicobacter and Related Organisms International Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/6/2007
Publication Date: 9/3/2007
Citation: Guerin, M.T., Martin, S.W., Reiersen, J., Berke, O., Mcewen, S.A., Bisaillon, J.R., Lowman, R., Michel, P., Stern, N.J., Hiett, K.L. 2007. House-Level Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Campylobacter in Broilers in Iceland. Campylobacter Helicobacter and Related Organisms International Workshop. P 139, #P438.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction Horizontal transmission from the environment is thought to be an important source of Campylobacter to broilers. Our objective was to identify broiler house characteristics and house-level management practices associated with the colonization of broiler flocks with Campylobacter in Iceland. Methods Between May 2001 and September 2004, pooled caecal samples were obtained from 1,425 flocks at slaughter and cultured for Campylobacter. Due to the strong seasonal variation in flock prevalence, analyses were restricted to a subset of 792 flocks raised during the four summer seasons. Logistic regression models with a random effect at the farm level were used to analyse the association between flock Campylobacter status and house-level risk factors. A two-stage process was carried out. Variables were initially screened within major subsets: ventilation; roof and floor drainage; building quality, materials and repair; house structure; pest proofing; biosecurity; sanitation; and house size. Variables with p ' 0.15 were then offered to a comprehensive model. Results Two-hundred and seventeen out of 792 flocks (27.4%) tested positive. Four significant risk factors were identified: vertical (OR = 2.7), or vertical and horizontal (OR = 3.2) ventilation shafts, cleaning and disinfecting boots prior to entering the broiler house (OR = 2.2), and cleaning houses with geothermal water (OR = 3.3). Conclusion 1) The increased risk associated with vertical ventilation shafts may be related to the height of the vents and the potential for vectors such as flies to gain access to the house, or, increased difficulty in accessing the vents for proper cleaning and disinfection. For newly constructed houses, horizontal ventilation systems could be considered. 2) Boot dipping procedures should be examined on farms experiencing a high prevalence of Campylobacter. 3) Further research is warranted to determine if geothermal water use is a surrogate for environmental pressures or the microclimate of the farm and surrounding region.