Detection of Enterococcus cecorum to identify persistently contaminated locations using faecal and environmental samples in broiler houses of clinically healthy flocks.
Jesper Tessin, Arne Jung, Amanda Silberborth, Karl Rohn, Jochen Schulz, Christian Visscher, Nicole Kemper
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Worldwide outbreaks make infections with pathogenic strains of Enterococcus cecorum (EC) one of the most important diseases in the broiler industry. Although research has increased knowledge about the pathogen, the transmission is not fully understood. Samples from different locations were collected from two broiler farms in Germany over a total of six production cycles. Samples were collected at days 1, 5, 10, 15, 21, 27, 34, 41 post-hatch and after cleaning and disinfection (C&D). A total of 1017 samples were collected from 25 different locations on the farms. Samples were analysed in the laboratory for EC by quantitative real-time PCR. Overall, 7.5% of the samples were positive. The probabilities for positive and negative samples did not differ between the farms. The number of findings differed significantly between the cycles. Compared to other samples, the chances of detecting EC in faecal samples were significantly higher. Most positive samples were found in the last week of the production periods, indicating an accumulation of EC in the barn environment. After C&D, positive PCR results were obtained in four out of 14 locations. A re-introduction from contaminated environment seemed possible. However, one pooled faecal sample was positive 1 day post-hatch. The locations that showed positive results after C&D and the positive faecal sample 1 day post-hatch indicated the persistence of EC in broiler houses of clinically healthy flocks that could lead to potential horizontal transmission routes. The present study detected potential EC sources and may help to improve hygienic measures to avoid transmissions.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSMethodology is suitable to detect EC during production and after C&D.Locations were detected that may serve as a reservoir for EC.Cycles with fewer positive samples were observed.Cleaning and disinfection had a major impact on the detection of EC.
期刊介绍:
Avian Pathology is the official journal of the World Veterinary Poultry Association and, since its first publication in 1972, has been a leading international journal for poultry disease scientists. It publishes material relevant to the entire field of infectious and non-infectious diseases of poultry and other birds. Accepted manuscripts will contribute novel data of interest to an international readership and will add significantly to knowledge and understanding of diseases, old or new. Subject areas include pathology, diagnosis, detection and characterisation of pathogens, infections of possible zoonotic importance, epidemiology, innate and immune responses, vaccines, gene sequences, genetics in relation to disease and physiological and biochemical changes in response to disease. First and subsequent reports of well-recognized diseases within a country are not acceptable unless they also include substantial new information about the disease or pathogen. Manuscripts on wild or pet birds should describe disease or pathogens in a significant number of birds, recognizing/suggesting serious potential impact on that species or that the disease or pathogen is of demonstrable relevance to poultry. Manuscripts on food-borne microorganisms acquired during or after processing, and those that catalogue the occurrence or properties of microorganisms, are unlikely to be considered for publication in the absence of data linking them to avian disease.