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P2-127 Presence of Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157 and Campylobacter in Small Ruminants

Tuesday, August 2, 2016
America's Center - St. Louis
Keelyn Hanlon, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Markus Miller, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Lacey Guillen, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Alejandro Echeverry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Erin Dormedy, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA
Brittney Cemo, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA
Loree Branham, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
Shanequa Sanders, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
Mindy Brashears, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Introduction: Meat derived from goats and lambs an often underappreciated protein source in the U.S., but especially important in developing countries challenged with food insecurity. Extensive studies have examined prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter and Escherichia coli O157 in beef, pork and poultry species; however, less research is available about pathogen presence in small-ruminants. Understanding the presence of these pathogens in small-ruminants can influence processing method improvements for these species to minimize food safety risks.

Purpose: This study had three main objectives: 1) Determine pathogen presence in small-ruminants on hide and fecal samples collected from U.S. and international sources; 2) Salmonella presence in small-ruminant carcass surface and retail samples from the U.S. and international sources; and 3) Salmonella presence found in lymph nodes from sheep and goats.

Methods: Samples were collected at abattoirs and farms located in California, New Mexico, Texas, the Bahamas and Mexico over a 14-month period. Samples were processed using a combination of traditional culturing methods and real-time PCR. All presumptive positive samples were confirmed by isolation and biochemical analysis.

Results: Salmonella was detected in 17.11% of hide samples (N = 339), 13.91% of fecal samples (n = 532), 16.82% of retail samples (n = 106), and 1.94% - 9.62% of lymph nodes (n = 668) and up to 5.20% on carcass surfaces (n = 878). E. coli O157 was present in 1.50% of hide samples (n = 266), and 15.30% of fecal samples (n = 477). Campylobacter was found in 80.68% of fecal samples (n = 176).

Significance: The results indicate the presence of potential pathogens from small-ruminant sources. Further study of the trends of these pathogens through season, geographical location and management conditions, as well as control measures, are important to better understand the risks associated with these pathogens present in small-ruminants.

Back to: Poster Session 2 – Low-water Activity, Laboratory and Detection Methods, Epidemiology, Produce, Pre-harvest, Dairy and Beverages, Food Defense, General Microbiology
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