Abstract
Summary. The enumeration of sparse populations of clostridia by a total clostridia count technique in a fluid medium (DRCM) gives small estimates of the numbers of Clostridium welchii. This organism may be readily detected in mixed ‘presumptive total’ clostridia cultures by streaking on lactose‐egg yolk‐milk agar before pasteurizing these cultures. The results of screening poultry carcases and processing plants with this technique are presented and the incidence of Cl. welchii on 3 sites of poultry carcases (breast, vent and neck skin) are compared for 3 processing plants.