USA – A recent study by researchers at North Carolina State University has revealed a significantly higher prevalence of Campylobacter on backyard poultry farms compared to commercial poultry operations.
Led by Dr. Jessica L. Parzygnat from the College of Veterinary Medicine, the study highlights the contrast in bacterial prevalence between different types of poultry farming.
The study, which involved sampling from ten backyard and ten integrated commercial broiler farms, found Campylobacter in 21.9 percent of samples from backyard farms, compared to 12.2 percent from commercial farms.
This study builds on previous research led by Dr. Parzygnat, published in May 2024, which found that Salmonella was more prevalent on commercial farms than backyard operations.
Samples for the Campylobacter study were collected from bird fecal matter, soil, litter/compost, and feeder/water sources at three intervals: ten, 31, and 52 days. The researchers identified 70.8 percent of the Campylobacter isolates as C. jejuni and 29.2 percent as C. coli.
Antimicrobial Resistance insights
The study also highlighted a significant concern regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with 40.2 percent of isolates showing resistance to ciprofloxacin and 46.6 percent showing resistance to tetracycline.
The study found a higher proportion of AMR in isolates from commercial farms compared to backyard farms.
For instance, among backyard farm isolates, 27.3 percent were resistant to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, and 22.7 percent were resistant to tetracycline. In contrast, isolates from commercial farms showed 63.2 percent resistance to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, and 89.5 percent resistance to tetracycline.
Implications for poultry farming and public health
These findings accentuate the need for heightened biosecurity measures and targeted interventions to manage Campylobacter prevalence, especially in backyard poultry operations. The higher AMR rates in commercial farm isolates also indicate a critical need for prudent antimicrobial use and enhanced monitoring to mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria.
The study adds to a growing body of research focusing on bacterial prevalence and resistance in poultry farming.
Similar studies have highlighted the importance of comprehensive surveillance and control strategies to address foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Innovations in farm management practices, along with advances in diagnostic technologies, are essential to improving food safety and public health outcomes.
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