Poultry Carcasses Research Articles

A large outbreak of bovine botulism possibly linked to a massive contamination of grass silage by type D/CClostridium botulinumspores on a farm with dairy and poultry operations

Type D bovine botulism outbreaks associated with poultry litter are increasingly reported in European countries, but the circumstances of exposure to Clostridium botulinum toxins remain unclear. In spring 2015, a large type D/C bovine botulism outbreak affected a farm with dairy and poultry operations. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations strongly suggest that the outbreak was caused by feeding cattle with insufficiently acidified grass silage that was contaminated by type D/C C. botulinum spores. The source of the spores remains unclear, but could have been a stack of poultry litter stored in the grass silage pasture before harvesting. The presence of putrefied poultry carcasses mixed in with the litter is relatively unlikely considering the careful daily removal of poultry carcasses. These findings reinforce the importance of proper ensiling of feed materials and highlight the need for safe disposal of poultry litter, even in the case of good management of poultry deadstock, in order to prevent bovine botulism.

English

Epidemiologic and traceback evidence of Salmonella infection is not much in many developing countries including Burkina Faso. This study investigates the antimicrobial resistance and distribution of Salmonella serotypes isolated from diverse sources in Burkina Faso. 615 Salmonella serotypes isolated from beef meat, poultry carcasses, poultry, swine, cattle, hedgehog, fish, salad, channel and humans from 2009 to 2011 were analyzed to identify their diversity and distribution among the samples. The Salmonella strains were subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity tests using disk diffusion methods, were analyzed and classified into 110 serotypes, with the most prevalent serotype being Derby (91/615) found in beef meat, poultry carcasses, poultry and fish; Muenster (48/615) found in cattle, swine, hedgehog, poultry, human and fish; Chester (38/615) found in poultry carcasses, swine and poultry feces; Hato (32/615) found in beef meat, poultry carcasses, cattle and poultry; Drac (30/615) found in cattle, hedgehog and fish; and Typhimurium (21/615) found in cattle, poultry, human and fish. Among the 615 Salmonella strains, 94% (581/615) were resistant to one or more antibiotics; resistance to streptomycin was the most common. The resistance pattern, Str-Sul-Tet, Str-Tet and Str-Sul was dominant and found in 80% of the strains. About 3% of the strains were resistant to 5 or 6 antibiotics; their resistance pattern is amp-str-sul-tet-tmp or amp-chl-str-sul-tet-tmp. One Salmonella strain, S. Kentucky isolated from human stool was resistant to eight antibiotics; the resistance pattern is amp-str-sul-tet-cip-gen-nal-mec. Findings from this study can help define the guidelines for basic surveillance system of Salmonella and other enteropathogenic bacteria circulating among humans, animals, food and environment. Key words: Salmonella, environment, human, risk.

Campylobacter jejuni e Campylobacter coli EM CARCAÇAS DE FRANGO RESFRIADAS E CONGELADAS

Resumo Espécies de Campylobacter spp. termotolerantes são agentes de surtos de campilobacteriose em humanos e os produtos de origem avícola são considerados uma importante fonte de infecção. Foram identificados Campylobacter jejuni e Campylobacter coli em carcaças de frango resfriadas e congeladas coletadas em três abatedouros entre 2014 e 2015. A detecção de Campylobacter spp. foi realizada por microbiologia convencional e a identificação de C. jejuni e C. coli por multiplex-PCR. Dentre as amostras avaliadas verificou-se Campylobacter spp. termotolerante em 63,8%, sendo 72,2% em carcaças resfriadas e 55,5% em carcaças congeladas. Destas, 83,3% foram positivas para C. jejuni e 66,6% para C. coli, enquanto 50% foram positivas para ambas as espécies. A presença de Campylobacter spp. termotolerante em carcaças de frangos de corte prontas para consumo representa uma importante fonte de transmissão destes patógenos para humanos.

Phylogenetic characterization of serum plus antibiotic-resistant extraintestinal Escherichia coli obtained from the liver of poultry carcasses in Pernambuco

ABSTRACT: In this study, avian extraintestinal Escherichia coli obtained from the liver of poultry carcasses approved for human consumption in the State of Pernambuco-Brazil were tested for antibiotic plus serum-resistance. Liver samples (n=110) were obtained from one slaughterhouse and 88 bacterial isolates were identified as Escherichia coli. The antibiotic-resistance profiles of antibiotics used in human and/or veterinary practice were accessed by the disk-diffusion method. Phenotypes with high resistance to streptomycin (84.0%), tetracycline (44.7%), amikacin (29.8%), gentamicin (21.3%) and ciprofloxacin (21.3%) were identified. Resistance to antibiotics such as ceftazidime, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and imipenem was also recorded. Twenty isolates with distinct antibiotic-resistance and susceptibility profiles were selected for serum resistance assays, phylogenetic characterization and detection of the iss gene. We have shown that multidrug resistant isolates were often simultaneously resistant to broiler and human sera. Phylogenetic characterization of serum- plus antibiotic-resistant isolates have shown three belonging to group D, eleven to group B1, one to group B2, and five to group A. We concluded that commensal E. coli strains isolated from the liver of healthy poultry carcasses can harbor and potentially share multidrug- plus virulence genes found in pathogenic pathotypes. This suspicion was not related to specific phylogenetic groups or presence of the iss gene.

Antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis from broiler carcasses in Serbia

This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella Infantis isolates from poultry carcasses in Serbia. A total of 48 Salmonella isolates were examined for antimicrobial resistance. A panel of 10 antibiotics was selected for testing. Isolates showed resistance to sulfamethoxazole, ceftazidime and cefotaxime (100%). However, the highest number of Salmonella Infantis isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol. The usage of antibiotics in food producing animals could result in antimicrobial resistance pathogenic bacteria especially Salmonella spp. in poultry, which may be transmitted to humans through the food chain and increase risk of treatment failures.

Bacterial Contaminants of Poultry Meat: Sources, Species, and Dynamics.

With the constant increase in poultry meat consumption worldwide and the large variety of poultry meat products and consumer demand, ensuring the microbial safety of poultry carcasses and cuts is essential. In the present review, we address the bacterial contamination of poultry meat from the slaughtering steps to the use-by-date of the products. The different contamination sources are identified. The contaminants occurring in poultry meat cuts and their behavior toward sanitizing treatments or various storage conditions are discussed. A list of the main pathogenic bacteria of concern for the consumer and those responsible for spoilage and waste of poultry meat is established.

Impact of Built-up-Litter and Commercial Antimicrobials on Salmonella and Campylobacter Contamination of Broiler Carcasses Processed at a Pilot Mobile Poultry-Processing Unit.

The small-scale mobile poultry-processing unit (MPPU) produced raw poultry products are of particular food safety concern due to exemption of USDA poultry products inspection act. Limited studies reported the microbial quality and safety of MPPU-processed poultry carcasses. This study evaluated the Salmonella and Campylobacter prevalence in broiler ceca and on MPPU-processed carcasses and efficacy of commercial antimicrobials against Campylobacter jejuni on broilers. In study I, straight-run Hubbard × Cobb broilers (147) were reared for 38 days on clean-shavings (CS, 75) or built-up-litter (BUL, 72) and processed at an MPPU. Aerobic plate counts (APCs), coliforms, Escherichia coli, and yeast/molds (Y/M) of carcasses were analyzed on petrifilms. Ceca and carcass samples underwent microbial analyses for Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. using the modified USDA method and confirmed by API-20e test (Salmonella), latex agglutination immunoassay (Campylobacter), and Gram staining (Campylobacter). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (CadF gene) identified the prevalence of C. jejuni and Campylobacter coli in ceca and on carcasses. In study II, fresh chilled broiler carcasses were spot inoculated with C. jejuni (4.5 log10 CFU/mL) and then undipped, or dipped into peroxyacetic acid (PAA) (1,000 ppm), lactic acid (5%), lactic and citric acid blend (2.5%), sodium hypochlorite (69 ppm), or a H2O2–PAA mix (SaniDate® 5.0, 0.25%) for 30 s. Surviving C. jejuni was recovered onto Brucella agar. APCs, coliforms, and E. coli populations were similar (P > 0.05) on CS and BUL carcasses. Carcasses of broilers raised on BUL contained a greater (P < 0.05) Y/M population (2.2 log10 CFU/mL) than those reared on CS (1.8 log10 CFU/mL). Salmonella was not detected in any ceca samples, whereas 2.8% of the carcasses from BUL were present with Salmonella. Prevalence of Campylobacter spp., C. jejuni was lower (P < 0.05), and C. coli was similar (P > 0.05) in CS-treated ceca than BUL samples. Prevalence of Campylobacter spp., C. jejuni, and C. coli was not different (P > 0.05) on CS- and BUL-treated carcasses. All antimicrobials reduced C. jejuni by 1.2–2.0 log CFU/mL on carcasses compared with controls. Hence, raising broilers on CS and applying post-chilling antimicrobial treatment can reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter on MPPU-processed broiler carcasses.

Antibacterial activity of Timsen® (n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride-40%) in scalding and precooling water in poultry slaughterhouses.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a product based on n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride-40%, marketed as Timsen®, during scalding and precooling of poultry carcasses in slaughterhouses. To this end, three poultry slaughterhouses (A, B and C) were evaluated. The product was added (200ppm) to the scalding (58°C) and precooling water (4°C), and microbiological analyses were performed of the water and the poultry carcasses before and after Timsen® addition. The product controlled the multiplication of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, both in the scalding as in the precooling water. In a comparison of carcasses soaked in Timsen®-treated scalding and precooling water with carcasses soaked in untreated water, the count of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms in the later was higher and thermotolerant coliform was not detected in samples of carcasses soaked in Timsen®-treated water. When the scalding and precooling water was not treated with the product, Listeria spp. was isolated from poultry carcasses of two slaughterhouses (A and C), while these microorganisms were not detected when Timsen® was applied. The use of Timsen® in the scalding and precooling water enhanced the safety and control microbial contamination of poultry carcasses.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for extended spectrum β-lactamase gene detection in poultry carcase

SAMPLING of poultry carcases is used for monitoring bacterial contaminants. For example, neck flap sampling is used for the detection of Campylobacter on chicken carcases (Bare and others 2013) and...

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of multidrug resistant Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Kentucky strains recovered from chicken carcasses.

Salmonella Typhimurium is the leading cause of human non-typhoidal gastroenteritis in the US. S. Kentucky is one the most commonly recovered serovars from commercially processed poultry carcasses. This study compared the genotypic and phenotypic properties of two Salmonella enterica strains Typhimurium (ST221_31B) and Kentucky (SK222_32B) recovered from commercially processed chicken carcasses using whole genome sequencing, phenotype characterizations and an intracellular killing assay. Illumina MiSeq platform was used for sequencing of two Salmonella genomes. Phylogenetic analysis employing homologous alignment of a 1,185 non-duplicated protein-coding gene in the Salmonella core genome demonstrated fully resolved bifurcating patterns with varying levels of diversity that separated ST221_31B and SK222_32B genomes into distinct monophyletic serovar clades. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified 2,432 (ST19) SNPs within 13 Typhimurium genomes including ST221_31B representing Sequence Type ST19 and 650 (ST152) SNPs were detected within 13 Kentucky genomes including SK222_32B representing Sequence Type ST152. In addition to serovar-specific conserved coding sequences, the genomes of ST221_31B and SK222_32B harbor several genomic regions with significant genetic differences. These included phage and phage-like elements, carbon utilization or transport operons, fimbriae operons, putative membrane associated protein-encoding genes, antibiotic resistance genes, siderophore operons, and numerous hypothetical protein-encoding genes. Phenotype microarray results demonstrated that ST221_31B is capable of utilizing certain carbon compounds more efficiently as compared to SK222_3B; namely, 1,2-propanediol, M-inositol, L-threonine, α-D-lactose, D-tagatose, adonitol, formic acid, acetoacetic acid, and L-tartaric acid. ST221_31B survived for 48 h in macrophages, while SK222_32B was mostly eliminated. Further, a 3-fold growth of ST221_31B was observed at 24 hours post-infection in chicken granulosa cells while SK222_32B was unable to replicate in these cells. These results suggest that Salmonella Typhimurium can survive host defenses better and could be more invasive than Salmonella Kentucky and provide some insights into the genomic determinants responsible for these differences.

Efficacy and efficiency of poultry carcass composting using different mechanical mixing equipment for avian influenza outbreaks

Efficacy and efficiency of poultry carcass composting using different mechanical mixing equipment for avian influenza outbreaks

Method for sampling and analysis of volatile biomarkers in process gas from aerobic digestion of poultry carcasses using time-weighted average SPME and GC–MS

A passive sampling method, using retracted solid-phase microextraction (SPME) – gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and time-weighted averaging, was developed and validated for tracking marker volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during aerobic digestion of biohazardous animal tissue. The retracted SPME configuration protects the fragile fiber from buffeting by the process gas stream, and it requires less equipment and is potentially more biosecure than conventional active sampling methods. VOC concentrations predicted via a model based on Fick’s first law of diffusion were within 6.6–12.3% of experimentally controlled values after accounting for VOC adsorption to the SPME fiber housing. Method detection limits for five marker VOCs ranged from 0.70 to 8.44ppbv and were statistically equivalent (p>0.05) to those for active sorbent-tube-based sampling. The sampling time of 30min and fiber retraction of 5mm were found to be optimal for the tissue digestion process.

Neutralization of Bactericidal Activity Related to Antimicrobial Carryover in Broiler Carcass Rinse Samples

Studies were conducted to examine the ability of three chemicals to neutralize residual antibacterial activity of commercial antimicrobial chemicals used in poultry processing. Chemical antimicrobial interventions used in poultry processing may have potential for carryover into whole poultry carcass buffered peptone water (BPW) rinses collected for monitoring Salmonella contamination. Such carryover may lead to false-negative results due to continuing bactericidal action of the antimicrobial chemicals in the rinse. To simulate testing procedures used to detect Salmonella contamination, studies were conducted by separately adding test neutralizers (highly refined soy lecithin, sodium thiosulfate, or sodium bicarbonate) to BPW and using these solutions as carcass rinses. Control samples consisted of BPW containing no additional neutralizing agents. One of four antimicrobial solutions (cetylpyridinium chloride, peroxyacetic acid, acidified sodium chlorite, and a pH 1 hydrochloric:citric acid mix) was then added to the rinses. The four antimicrobial solutions were prepared at maximum allowable concentrations and diluted with modified BPW rinses to volumes simulating maximum carryover. These solutions were then inoculated with a mixed culture of five nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella serovars at 106 CFU/mL. The inoculated rinse was stored at 4°C for 24 h, and Salmonella was enumerated by direct plating on brilliant green sulfa agar supplemented with nalidixic acid. Results indicate that incorporation of optimal concentrations of three neutralizing agents into BPW neutralized the demonstrated carryover effects of each of the four antimicrobial solutions tested, allowing recovery of viable Salmonella at 106 CFU/mL (P > 0.05), equivalent to recovery from carcass rinses with no antimicrobial carryover. Incorporation of these neutralizers in BPW for Salmonella monitoring may reduce false-negative results and aid regulatory agencies in accurate reporting of Salmonella contamination of poultry.

English

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Salmonella species isolated from poultry value chains of Gazipur and Tangail districts of Bangladesh during the period of October 2015 to May 2016. For this purpose a total of 153 samples (35 chick meconium, 49 cloacal swab, 30 poultry carcass, 14 feed, 16 water, 7 transport swab, 2 floor swab) were collected and were subjected to various cultural, biochemical techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, the isolated Salmonella species were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Among the samples, 23.53% (n=36) were found to be associated with Salmonella species. The Salmonella species were identified by observing black centered colonies on XLD agar, positive to MR test and negative to VP and Indole test. All isolates of Salmonella species were positive to 16s rRNA gene based PCR (574 bp). Serogrouping of Salmonella species were performed by slide agglutination test using commercial Salmonella specific polyvalent O (A-I) antisera, Salmonella O group B (Factor O: 4, 5, 27) antisera and Salmonella O group D (Factor O: 9, 46) antisera. Among the 36 isolates, 30.56% (n=11) belonged to serogroup B and rest of the isolates 69.44% (n=25) to serogroup D. The most prevalent serogroup identified in this study was serogroup D. The isolated Salmonella species were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing with the aid of disk diffusion method using 8 antimicrobial agents. All isolates of Salmonella species were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, streptomycin and gentamicin. Out of 36 isolates 100% Salmonella species were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline. The findings of this study revealed the presence of multidrug resistant Salmonella species in poultry value chains of Gazipur and Tangail districts of Bangladesh that posseses a serious threat to public and poultry health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence, serogrouping and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella species from poultry value chains of selected districts in Bangladesh. &nbsp; Key words: Isolation, identification, Salmonella species, poultry value chains, serogrouping, antibiogram study

Rates of and reasons for condemnation of poultry carcases: harmonised methodology at the slaughterhouse

European hygiene regulations require the condemnation of any unsafe food. However, there is little information identifying and quantifying condemnation of poultry carcases at slaughterhouses. We present an in-depth view of...

Distribution of Antibiotic Resistance Genes among the Phylogroups of Escherichia coli in Diarrheic Calves and Chickens Affected by Colibacillosis in Tehran, Iran.

Antibiotic resistance occurs in the endogenous flora of exposed population in addition to pathogenic bacteria. This study was conducted to evaluate the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes among 63 isolates of Escherichia coli of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in diarrheic calves and poultry. According to the results, B1 and B2 were the most prevalent phylogroups of E. coli in calves and poultry carcasses, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance was observed in 76% of the isolates, and 62% of the strains were multi-drug resistant. Antibiotic resistance in E. coli strains obtained from calves strains was significantly higher than those obtained from poultries. Additionally, the strains of B1 and D phylogroups had the highest and lowest antimicrobial resistance, respectively. At least one encoding gene for integrone was detected in 23 strains (36.5%) and Class I integron had the highest prevalence. Accordingly, this study gave baseline information on the magnitude of the resistance problem and its genetic background in E. coli from domesticated animals of the Tehran, Iran. Moreover, the power of oligonucleotide array technology in the discrimination of different genotypes during a short time was confirmed in this study.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Biofilm Production by Salmonella sp. Strains Isolated from Frozen Poultry Carcasses

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance and the biofilm-producing ability of Salmonella sp. strains isolated from frozen poultry carcasses. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by the disk-diffusion method. Biofilm-producing ability was determined in 96-well polystyrene microplates stained with crystal violet at 1%. Out of the 22 strains tested, all were multiresistant, that is, resistant to more than three antimicrobial classes, and 72.7% were able to form biofilms. The highest resistance rates obtained were against sulfonamides, tetracycline, and quinolones. On the other hand, 100% of the strains were sensitive to chloramphenicol. According to the rate of biofilm formation, 3 (13.6%) and 13 (59.1%) strains were classified as moderate and weak biofilm-producers, respectively, and 27.3% did not form biofilms. Biofilms increase the tolerance of microorganisms to stress, reducing their sensitivity to disinfectants and antimicrobials; favor equipment corrosion; and act as substrates for the adhesion of bacteria with lower biofilm-producing capacity. The results of the present study stress the importance of cleaning procedures in food processing plants and highlight the public health risks related to the emergence of multiresistant strains.

English

Campylobacters are very important foodborne pathogens that raise the interest of food processors, researchers, as well as consumers and all stakeholders. Their contaminations can result in life threatening disorders, potentially leading to chronic sequelae such as Reiter’s and Guillain-Barre syndromes or Crohn’s Disease. Poultry has been identified as the main and most common reservoirs for Campylobacter. A survey was conducted in Morocco, from 2009 to 2012 to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler chicken from about fifteen Moroccan cities that were most involved in the breeding of broilers. In this study, thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. were detected and identified from 165 samples by both cultural methods and molecular approaches based on polymerase chain reaction and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. The species were also genotyped by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis. The conventional culture methods identified 97% of samples as positive for Campylobacter spp. The molecular approach based on 16S rRNA gene could not distinguish between C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari. However, gyrB gene RFLP, allowed a good discrimination between the three species of Campylobacter. These results were also confirmed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight and Mass Spectrometry proteomic profiling determination using libraries in the BioTyper 2.3 software. The present study identifies C. jejuni as the major source of contamination of poultry carcasses in Morocco. Key words: Campylobacter, chicken, 16S rRNA gene, gyrB gene, sequencing, RFLP-PCR, MALDI-TOF MS.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles and virulence factors of Escherichia coliO157 collected from a poultry processing plant*

The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of Escherichia coli O157 and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates in different poultry-originated materials. In total 300 samples of chicken carcass swabs (n = 50), chicken feces (n = 50), gizzard (n = 50), liver (n = 50), water in the final scald tank (n = 50), and equipment such as tables, conveyers, and knives (n = 50) were used as materials. Overall, 45 E. coli isolates were obtained from the 300 poultry samples. However, 13 (4.3%) of the samples were identified as E. coli O157 including 3 liver, 3 carcass, and 7 fecal samples. All 13 isolates were positive for O157 but negative for H7 using PCR. Only intimin (encoded by eaeA gene) was detected in 10 E. coli O157 isolates while no other virulence factors (enterohemolysin A, shiga toxin 1 and 2) were detected. All E. coli O157 isolates were susceptible to gentamicin (100%). In conclusion, the presence of E. coli O157 in poultry is of utmost significance (4.3%) and our results demonstrated that poultry carcasses and giblets may be contaminated by E. coli O157 with feces during evisceration. To prevent E. coli O157 infections, hygiene rules must be tightly observed. In addition, antibiotic use must be controlled for avoiding increased antibiotic resistance.

Occurrence of lymphoid leukosis in poultry population of Mizoram

A study were undertaken to survey the prevalence of viral diseases of Poultry in Mizoram during March, 2013 to February, 2014. Out of 476 poultry carcasses examined, 208 (43.69%) cases were diagnosed as viral diseases. Among the viral diseases, 28 (5.88%) cases of lymphoid leukosis were recorded based on clinical history, gross and microscopic changes. The disease was found to occur in adult birds above 12 weeks of age with percent morbidity and mortality of 2–3% and 1.5–2.4%, respectively. The characteristic signs recorded during the study included weakness, diarrhea, dehydration, emaciation, anorexia, pale wattle and enlargement of the abdomen. The significant gross lesions were severe emaciation and dehydrated carcasses, markedly enlarged liver and spleen. Microscopically, liver, spleen and other visceral organs revealed aggregates of large lymphoid cells (lymphoblasts) of variable sizes. Confirmatory diagnosis was done based on characteristic microscopic changes in the affected organs.