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Listen to this siteWednesday 30 March 2005
This research project aims to assess the relative importance of drinker systems to the infection rates of salmonella and campylobacter in poultry.
Study Duration : August 1999 to March 2002
Contractor : University of Aberdeen
A number of studies have indicated that poultry drinking water may be a potential source of campylobacter and salmonella in broiler units. There are a variety of water sources, including borehole, spring and potable mains and a range of delivery devices used in industry.
The presence of pathogens in broilers indicates a failure in overall biosecurity in which contaminated water may be a part. There may be a number of different pathways to contaminate drinker systems, including contaminated source water, ineffective cleaning procedures, effective cleaning procedures incorrectly applied or poorly designed delivery systems. Salmonella and Campylobacter can also be introduced from other sources within the production system, and therefore the relative importance of the water system can be difficult to define.
This project aims to assess the relative importance of drinker systems to the infection rates of salmonella and campylobacter, and to ascertain which are the most effective and practicable cleaning routines to maintain biosecurity on commercial broiler units.
Co-operation with the local poultry producers will allow sampling over a three-year period and waters from all parts of the delivery system will be tested in the laboratory. Testing of birds will indicate flock pathogen status.
Sensitive methods of isolation will be employed to allow detection of salmonella and campylobacter present in water.
Infected birds may cross contaminate drinkers, and waters further back in the delivery system (e.g. header tanks) will be specifically targeted.
Whilst no salmonella were found, a significant number (44%) of farms had water delivery systems contaminated with campylobacter at some time in the study. Some farms were repeatedly positive throughout the three-year period.
The current commercial cleaning routine for the water delivery system and the entire broiler shed was assessed and appeared effective. In sites where both flocks and waters were infected with sampylobacter at the end of the broiler cycle, no evidence of campylobacter was found after cleaning.
A number of potential water treatment systems were identified and cost comparisons made. Chlorination or ultra violet radiation may be cost effective methods of control.
The final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk,
Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182) or email:
library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
).
Contact
: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email
science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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