Temperature-Related 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. Temperature-Related Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Campylobacter in Broilers in Iceland. Campylobacter Helicobacter and Related Organisms International Workshop. P 140, #P439.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction A summertime increased risk of Campylobacter is well-established in humans and broilers. Our objective was to identify temperature-related risk factors for the colonization of broiler flocks with Campylobacter in Iceland, with an assumption that flies play a role in the epidemiology and seasonality of Campylobacter. Methods At slaughter, pooled caecal samples were obtained from 792 flocks that hatched between March 15 and September 15 each year from 2001 to 2004, and cultured for Campylobacter. Daily temperature data from the closest weather station were linked to each farm. Based on temperatures at which house flies are active, logistic regression with a random effect at the farm level was utilized to examine predictors characterizing the effect of increasing ambient temperature and intermittent cooler temperature during the month before slaughter (weekly and cumulated intervals). Results The final model included cumulative degree-days (CDD) above an average temperature of 4.4'C and the presence of one or more days below a maximum temperature of 8.9'C (lower threshold for fly activity and egg laying) during the 2 to 4 week period (i.e. days 8 to 28) before slaughter. Below 79 CDD, the risk of colonization was low, likely a result of temperatures unsuitable for fly activity. Between 79 and 139 CDD, the risk increased gradually, but was lower for flocks raised during periods with at least one day below a maximum of 8.9'C. The risk was predicted to increase sharply when CDD exceeded 139 and when the maximum temperature remained above 8.9'C. Conclusion 1) Sustained high temperatures may be ideal for rapid increases in fly populations, resulting in an increased risk of broiler flock colonization. Thus, fly control on the farm may reduce Campylobacter colonization of broiler flocks.