Efficacy of Biosecurity Measures for Campylobacter Control in Spanish Broiler Farms

Introduction: Campylobacter is the leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the European Union (EU). Handling or consumption of chicken products is considered the main source of infection. It is believed that controlling the infection at primary production could impact the following links along the food chain, and consequently the incidence of human campylobacteriosis. Hence, a reduction in Campylobacter prevalence of broiler flocks is a priority in the EU. Currently, the only effective measure available for Campylobacter control in poultry farms is a proper implementation of biosecurity at farm and house level.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of increasing farm biosecurity measures in a field study in 18 Spanish broiler farms during 13 broiler rearing cycles.

Methods: In 12 of these farms, improved biosecurity measures were implemented; in 5 of those, additional fly screens were mounted, once a sufficient level of biosecurity was reached. The remaining 6 farms were control farms, where no changes were made. Weekly boot socks samplings were performed in all farms, and Campylobacter detection was performed by PCR.

Results: To date, almost 13 cycles per farm have been monitored. Results show a significant reduction of the number of Campylobacter-positive samples in farms with improved biosecurity compared to the control farms, and over a 30% reduction of Campylobacter flock prevalence at 5th week of rearing. Moreover, the reduction to date is more marked in the group of farms with fly screens, which provided most influence during the summer months, when the insect population is abundant.

Significance: The implementation and improvement of biosecurity and hygiene measures at farm and house level in Spanish broiler houses reduced Campylobacter prevalence significantly. These measures are not costly and can be easily implemented in farms having anteroom.