Prevalence and factors aff ecting the presence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler carcasses in bulgaria

Abstract

In an 11-month study, 292 samples from 13 slaughterhouses in Bulgaria were investigated for the presence of Campylobacter spp., and some factors aff ecting Campylobacter prevalence were analyzed. Th e study revealed that 44.9% of the samples were positive for Campylobacter spp. Th e main species detected were C. coli and C. jejuni. Th ere was also one confi rmed C. lari isolate. Th e C. coli strains prevailed over C. jejuni at 61.8% and 37.4%, respectively. A seasonal variation in the Campylobacter spp. presence in slaughter broiler carcasses was found with a predominance of positive isolates during June and July 2008. Th e conventional type of rearing was responsible for higher Campylobacter contamination (52.2%) of broiler carcasses compared to free-range rearing (38.5%). Th e impact of the chilling technology (spray, immersion, or air-chilling) on the Campylobacter presence in broiler carcasses was also analyzed. © TÜBİTAK.