title: Epidemiological associations between characteristics of registered broiler chicken flocks in Canada and the Salmonella culture status of floor litter and drinking water.
abstract: A Canada-wide flock management survey of 294 randomly selected commercial broiler chicken flocks was conducted during 1989-1990. The prevalence of flocks that yielded Salmonella from cultures of floor litter or drinking water, and the prevalence of floor litter samples that yielded Salmonella, were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the age of the flock and the region of Canda in which the flock was located. Culture of Salmonella from the drinking water was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the type of drinker used, the dead bird disposal method, and the region of Canada in which the flock was located. There was a significantly greater risk (p < 0.05) of contamination of drinking water with Salmonella from trough drinkers (odds ratio = 7.99) and plastic bell drinkers (odds ratio = 6.10) than from nipple drinkers. No significant associations were found between pest control, restrictions on visitors, clean-out methods, or water sanitization and the culture of salmonellae from floor litter or drinking water.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Renwick
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: McNab
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Poppe
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: McEwen