The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. - Investigation in fattening poultry flocks, in poultry meat at the slaughter line and on the endproduct

From fattening poultry flocks altogether 516 samples (excrement swabs) were taken from December 2001 until August 2002 and examined on the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. Another sampling was carried out in slaughter facilities up to the end product (poultry meat). The evaluation of the data showed that the degree of contamination is subject to seasonal fluctuations and is particularly high in the summer months. In our trials not before March Campylobacter spp. were found in fattening poultry flocks, while remaining unsuccessful in the winter months (December until February). In the slaughter facilities of positive herds contaminated with Campylobacter spp. none of the different stations at the slaughter line was an effective barrier against a Campylobacter distribution. The results also showed that the occurrence of cross-contamination doesn't have to be excluded within the battle chain