INCIDENCE OF CAMPYLOBACTERS IN THE INTESTINE OF AVIAN SPECIES IN ALABAMA

Avian species necropsied at the C. S. Roberts Veterinary Diagnostic La boratory, Auburn, Alabama, from December 1993 until May 1994 were exam ined for the incidence of intestinal campylobacters. Ninety-one intest inal swabs, representing 66 separate cases and 17 different avian spec ies, were collected and placed into Cary-Blair transport medium. Selec tive enrichment and culture media were used for initial isolation of C ampylobacter spp. Presumptive colonies were identified as Campylobacte r spp. by phase-contrast microscopy and Gram stain, and they were conf irmed by serological latex agglutination. Campylobacter spp. were isol ated in 18 (19.7%) of the 66 cases. From the remainder of the cases, 1 3 (15%) yielded presumptive colonies on Campy-Cefex agar; however, the y were not confirmed serologically as Campylobacter spp. Use of Cary-B lair transport medium held in refrigeration for up to 24 days did not hinder the determination of campylobacters in intestinal samples. A va riety of avian species, including chicken, emu, hawk, ostrich, and par rot, harbored commensal campylobacters and therefore should be conside red potential reservoirs.