Horizontal transmission ofCampylobacter jejuniamongst broiler chicks: experimental studies

Abstract

SUMMARYHorizontal transmission ofCampylobacter jejuniwas investigated in campylobactor–free broiler chicks. One hundred and twenty chicks housed individually, were provided with water containing 102−109c.f.u./mlC. jejuni. Colonization was rapid [47 of 73 (64 %) positive cloacal cultures within 3 days and 65 of 73 (89 %) within 7 days], depenedent onC. jejuni–contaminated water or colonized seeder chicks. Transmission occurred in 2–7 days concurrent with a gradual increase ofC. jejuniin 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 allC. jejuni–positive within 3 days of seeder challenge.