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Non-Destructive Sampling of Live Broiler for Campylobacter

Poultry Microbiological Safety Research Unit, Richard Russell Agricultural Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, P. O. Box 5677, Athens, GA 30604-5677; Phone: (706) 546-3516; FAX: (706) 546-3771

Michael C. Robach

Continental Grain Co., 3700 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 1000, Duluth, GA 30136

Correspondence: Norman J. Stern

This study evaluated non-destructive sampling methods (i. e. , fecal droppings, cecal droppings, and cloacal swabs) to monitor the presence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler chickens on four commercial broiler chicken farms. Samples were taken throughout an 8 wk growout period to assess the presence of the organism during production. During the entire growout period, 45% of 964 fecal droppings, 58% of 284 cecal droppings, and 41% of 786 cloacal swabs presented as positive for Campylobacter spp. This finding indicated that the sampling of cecal droppings was the most sensitive, non-destructive sampling method. This study provides data indicating optimal non-destructive sampling methods for assessing Campylobacter spp. and indicates the typical frequency curve for flock colonization.

Key Words: Campylobacter • colonization • microbiology • sampling