The colonization of broiler chickens withCampylobacter jejuni: some epidemiological investigations

Abstract

SUMMARYBetween June 1990 and July 1991, broiler chickens from 49 flocks from 23 farms were examined for the carriage ofCampylobacter jejuniat slaughter. Thirty-seven flocks (76%) were campylobacter-positive. Prevalence of campylobacter-colon-ization was not associated with any of a variety of factors such as water source and broiler house floor structure. There was also no apparent seasonal variation in carriage. Investigations on one farm indicated that dipping boots in disinfectant before workers entered broiler houses either delayed or prevented colonization withC. jejuni.