Horizontal transmission ofCampylobacter jejuniamongst broiler chicks: experimental studies

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Abstract
Horizontal transmission of Campylobacter jejuni was investigated in campylobactor–free broiler chicks. One hundred and twenty chicks housed individually, were provided with water containing 102−109 c.f.u./ml C. jejuni. Colonization was rapid [47 of 73 (64 %) positive cloacal cultures within 3 days and 65 of 73 (89 %) within 7 days], depenedent on C. jejuni–contaminated water or colonized seeder chicks. Transmission occurred in 2–7 days concurrent with a gradual increase of C. jejuni in litter, water and feed. Environmental samples were culture–negative within 3 days following removal of colonized chicks. Treatment of 1–day–old chicks with adult caecal microbiota did not affect colonization. Treated and control chicks were all C. jejuni–positive within 3 days of seeder challenge.