Role of batch depletion of broiler houses on the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in chicken flocks

Aims: The effect of batch depletion of broiler houses for campylobacter occ urrence in broiler flocks was estimated in 10 flocks, each comprising a sep arate female and male batch. Methods and Results: The chicks were sampled first bq; cloacal swabs in the broiler houses before the start of the depopulation and secondly, on arriv al at the abattoir. Females were slaughtered at 5 weeks of age, males at 6 weeks. The number of campylobacter-positive batches increased from five to seven female batches, and from five to 10 male batches, between the two sam pling rounds. Conclusions: It is concluded that batch depletion of broiler houses increas ed the prevalence of Campylobacter spp.-infected broilers in the flocks, th at the introduction occurred a hen catching the first batch, and that campy lobacter spreads through the entire flock within a week. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results from this study emphasize the need to manage depopulation of broiler houses as quickly as possible a nd in one batch only.