Farm and management variables linked to fecal shedding of Campylobacter and Salmonella in commercial squab production

A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the relationship of farm variables and management practices to fecal shedding of Campylobacter or S almonella on commercial squab (young pigeon) farms. A detailed survey provi ded information on biosecurity, cleaning and disinfection, bird health, vec tor control, and loft and pen. Twenty pigeons on each of 12 farms were cult ured before and after the producers completed a voluntary quality assurance training program (QAP), based on principles of hazard analysis critical co ntrol point (HACCP). The prevalence of positive samples for Salmonella and C. jejuni was 1/480 (0.21%) and 19/480 (3.96%), respectively. Campylobacter was present on one farm during both visits; three farms during the first v isit, and three farms during the second visit. Analysis by fixed-effects lo gistic regression showed the probability of having a positive C. jejuni cul ture was increased by not using dry manure in the nesting material, not cle aning shipping crates, cleaning landing boards, and by increased frequency of chemical disinfection of water. Having a positive parent and higher numb ers of squab per pen (density) were also associated with higher odds of bei ng positive for C. jejuni. Factors not associated with a positive C. jejuni culture included, other avian species on the farm, type of shipping crate, covered drinkers, fly problems, bird age, level of nest box within the lof t, and QAP training. Prevalence of food safety pathogens was extremely low on the squab facilities tested as compared with reports from commercial bro iler or turkey necks. This observation suggests that one or more farm varia bles or management practices were effectively reducing infection, or possib ly a species-related difference existed in carriage rates and shedding of p athogens. These results emphasize critical control points for food safety p athogens may vary widely, and the formulation of effective QAP programs are dependent on science-based knowledge of diverse animal production systems.