Prevalence, Strain Types and Antibiotic Resistance of Campylobacter Turkey Grow-out Farms

Campylobacter is a leading cause of human food-borne illness in the U.S.. Transmission involved primarily poultry, although pork, beef, raw milk, and other sources have also been identified. Resistance to several antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones, commonly used for treatment of human infections, is increasing in Campylobacter. Extensive studies with broilers suggest that birds become colonized in the farm, usually without symptoms, and that meat becomes contaminated during slaughter and processing. This study will investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter in 60 turkey grow-out farms in Eastern North Carolina. It will evaluate the impact of distinct turkey husbandry practices in the grow-out turkey farms, and of antibiotic resistance profiles. The results from this study will provide a currently unavailable database on Campylobacter colonization, subtypes and antibiotic resistance in turkeys. This data will be useful for designing possible intervention strategies for reducing the prevalence of Campylobacter in poultry and the reduced incidence of resistance to antimicrobials.