SURVEILLANCE OF CHLAMYDIA INFECTIONS IN M EAT POULTRY FLOCKS

Turkey and broiler flocks were studied to estimate the prevalence of C hlamydia psittaci infection, by antigen and antibody detection using E LISAs, at slaughter Pooled faecal and spleen samples, together with se rum samples, were taken from 25 apparently healthy turkey and broiler flocks at processing plants and examined in a commercial antigen ELISA and in an indirect ELISA developed in our laboratory, Examination of faecal samples from female turkey flocks revealed that 10 of 13 flocks (77%) were positive while only 2 of 12 male flocks (17%) were positiv e. Positive results were observed in faecal samples from all broiler f locks, However, samples of spleen from the same flocks indicated a low prevalence of infection, which may have been due to the difference in the preparation of the faecal and splenic samples. Antibodies to C. p sittaci were detected in all turkey and in 67% of broiler flocks. No c ases of human infection associated with infected flocks were reported and there were no adverse effects on the economic performance of the f locks. The results demonstrate rite widespread occurrence of C. psitta ci infection in commercial poultry. The potential means for modifying existing regulations to control ornithosis are discussed.