27.03.2014

A study, led by Dr. Doug Smith at North Carolina State University, points to poultry house pests (i.e.: flies, beetles, rodents, etc.) as potential vectors of both organisms. 

The Salmonella and Campylobacter status of turkey breeder hens and toms was monitored through 65 weeks of age followed by evaluation of the presence of pathogens in progeny meat-producing flocks. As with broilers, Campylobacter spreads rapidly in meat-type turkey flocks.  Both C. Jejuni and C. coli which were respectively tetracycline and kanamycin resistant, were isolated from grow-out flocks.  Salmonella Agona was the predominant enterobacter recovered.  It was noted that the wild strains of Campylobacter and Salmonella predominated over the marker strains and showed persistence in flocks.  Flies and rodents in the houses which were monitored yielded Salmonella confirming that pests serve as reservoirs of infection.

There was no evidence of vertical transmission of either of the pathogens despite contamination of semen used for artificial insemination.  Campylobacter and Salmonella were isolated from the upper reproductive tract of hens.

The study demonstrated benefits from decontaminating breeder eggs but in this specific trial there was no advantage associated with incorporating a probiotic in feed within two weeks of depletion of meat flocks.