An Appraisal of the Efficacy and Feasibility of Rapid, On-Farm Test Methods for the Detection of Campylobacter

<p>This project will assess the feasibility of using a range of immuno- and nucleic acid-based detection assays to detect campylobacter in on-farm flock and environmental matrices.</p>

<p>A number of on-farm samples including litter, faeces (composite), dust, air, and dead bird ventral swabs will be evaluated to determine which matrix will yield the highest levels of campylobacter for presentation to detection assay.</p>

<p>It is not anticipated that liquid culture enrichment would take place on-farm in the ultimate test protocol due to health and safety risks to test users (farmers) and opportunities for cross-contamination.</p>

<p>Physical enrichment methods, including (immuno) magnetic separation, which are commercially available in convenient technology, will be assessed for sensitivity, specificity, ease of use and compatibility with detection devices. The outcomes of this early stage work will enable the highest number of campylobacter to be presented to a suitable detection assay.</p>

<p>Only rapid detection methods at/or close to commercial availability will be considered for feasibility of use on-farm. Development of new technologies will not be undertaken, however, where available and applied to other pathogens, the technologies will be developed for campylobacter. The primary methods considered in this feasibility study will be lateral flow device, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, an immuno-biosensor and real time PCR assays.</p>