CECAL CARRIAGE OF CAMPYLOBACTER AND SALMONELLA IN DUTCH BROILER FLOCKS AT SLAUGHTER - A ONE-YEAR STUDY

From March 1992 to March 1993, 187 Dutch broiler flocks were screened to assess their Campylobacter and Salmonella carriage. Every 4 wk at l east 10 flocks, at three different slaughterhouses, were screened for presence of these bacteria. Twenty-five cecal samples were taken from each flock. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 153 out of 187 broil er flocks (82%). Campylobacter carriage of flocks showed seasonal vari ation, with the highest contamination rate (100%) during the period Ju ne to September and the lowest (50%) in March. Salmonella carriage of the flocks did not show a distinct seasonal variation. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 49 out of 181 broiler flocks (27%). A positive cor relation was found between Campylobacter and Salmonella colorization w ithin flocks. Data on farming conditions and husbandry practices were studied to identify possible risk factors for Campylobacter and Salmon ella colonization of Dutch broiler flocks.