title: The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks and on broiler carcases, and the risks associated with highly contaminated carcases.
abstract: A baseline survey on the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks and Campylobacter spp. on broiler carcases in the UK was performed in 2008 in accordance with Commission Decision 2007/516/EC. Pooled caecal contents from each randomly selected slaughter batch, and neck and breast skin from a single carcase were examined for Campylobacter spp. The prevalence of Campylobacter in the caeca of broiler batches was 75·8% (303/400) compared to 87·3% (349/400) on broiler carcases. Overall, 27·3% of the carcases were found to be highly contaminated with Campylobacter (≥1000 c.f.u./g). Slaughter in the summer months (June, July, August) [odds ratio (OR) 3·50], previous partial depopulation of the flock (OR 3·37), and an increased mortality at 14 days (≥1·25% to <1·75%) (OR 2·54) were identified as significant risk factors for the most heavily Campylobacter-contaminated carcases. Four poultry companies and farm location were also found to be significantly associated with highly contaminated carcases.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK. laura.powell@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lawes
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Clifton-Hadley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vidal
mesh_terms: D000003:Abattoirs; D000818:Animals; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D017000:Campylobacter coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016123:Campylobacter jejuni / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002432:Cecum / Q000382:microbiology; D002645:Chickens / Q000382:microbiology*; D005516:Food Microbiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology