Staphylococcus aureusin commercial laying flocks: Incidence and characteristics of strains isolated from chicks, pullets and hens in an integrated commercial enterprise

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Abstract
S. aureus was able to colonize the surface of chicks 1 day old. The organism was detected in a hatchery, particularly in the debris from the hatchers, and on the working surfaces at the sexing and vaccination areas. The degree of surface colonization of chicks and pullets was low during rearing but rose to a maximum at mid-lay (50 wk) when the organism was readily detectable on almost all hens. Strains of S. aureus were characterized by phage-typing and cultural characteristics and belonged predominantly to poultry phage group B2. A detailed description of poultry phage group B2 strains is presented. This strain could be considered a 2nd live-bird ecovar compared to S. aureus var. gallinae.