Non-Destructive Sampling of Live Broiler for Campylobacter

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Abstract
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.