Research project NP/DD/19 (Research action NP)
The number of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis cases in human has increased enormously. Poultry is frequently contaminated with these pathogens and hence constitutes an important contamination source for the consumer. The surveillance programs that started in some European countries to decrease or eliminate the incidence of these micro-organisms in poultry are consequently of great importance to public health. In Belgium however no data on the contamination rate of poultry with Salmonella and Campylobacter are available, nor are there any measures to decrease the occurrence, this project aims to collect data on their prevalence (qualitatively as well as quantitatively) at different stages during the life cycle of a representative lot of flocks. This is performed by mapping the cycle via the live animals (in the hatchery and the broiler farm) and the environment (a.o. litter, vermin). To assess the final product load, broilers are analysed after processing. The environmental Salmonella and Campylobacter spread via processing is quantified by waste water analysis. To determine the micro-organisms origin unambiguously, the most modern techniques are used a.o. PCR and molecular genetic typing.
Since the environmental factor in relation to public health plays a major role in this study, antibiotic resistance of both pathogens is determined. This seems to become a serious problem on an international level.
Furthermore challenge tests are performed in order to reveal the pathogen evolution on the final product. Moreover the Salmonella and Campylobacter status is assessed immediately before preparation to estimate consumer risk.
Therefore this project aims to gain insight into the occurrence level of Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry, into their cycles that cause horizontal transmission via the environment, and in the occurrence and environmental spread of antibiotic resistance in these pathogens. Results will allow to formulate product specifications for poultry as well as on own national policy on this matter.
Studie van Salmonella en Campylobacter kringlopen bij de productie van braadkuikens: eindverslag
Brussel: DWTC, 2001 (SP0807)
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Studie van Salmonella en Campylobacter kringlopen bij de productie van braadkuikens: operationele samenvatting
Brussel: DWTC, 2001 (SP0808)
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Studie van Salmonella en Campylobacter kringlopen bij de productie van braadkuikens: executive summary
Brussels: OSTC, 2001 (SP0809)
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