The study sampled seven broiler flocks with a Campylobacter-free status
once just before loading at the farm and once just before slaughter.
On both occasions, samples were also taken from the exterior of the birds
and from the intestinal content. Transport containers used to transport the
flock were sampled on the farm just before loading the birds. Campylobacter
species were examined and, in total, 25 of the 35 sampled containers were
Campylobacter contaminated, and 30 genotypes were found.
Three broiler flocks became colonised on the farm between initial status
determination and transport to the slaughterhouse, and three Campylobacter-free
flocks were externally contaminated after transport.
In none of the seven flocks was evidence found of intestinal colonisation
or co-colonisation due to transport in Campylobacter-contaminated
containers.
The study was published in the Journal of Food Protection Volume 70.
