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<p>Here we propose to test the prevalence of SE in the environment of 12 collaborating pasture poultry layer farms in California that are below 3,000 hens and therefore are not required to test their farm environments for SE. In addition, we will test the environment of the "eggmobiles" and the surrounding pasture in order to better understand the potential risk of SE in the pastured environment that is often used for crop production for human consumption.In collaboration with 12 independent pasture poultry farms in California, this study is intended to help address 2 knowledge gaps.</p><p><ol><li> Determine if there is a greater prevalence of SE on layer farms below 3,000 hens and </li><li> identify potential SE risks associated with pasture poultry production . </li><li> Develop UCCE outreach capabilities with small-scale poultry farmers with respect to food safety and disease prevention.</li></ol></p>
<p>Phase I: In concert with a veterinary student, outreach to 12 participating small-scale pasture poultry farms will be coordinated in order to teach these producers how and when to test their environment for SE via drag-swabs.</p><p>Phase II: Farmers will submit individual drag swabs from eggmobiles and the surrounding pasture at the following points in the flocks life cycle "chick papers, " 14-16 week old pullets, 40-44 weeks of production, 4-6 weeks post-molt and pre-depopulation. Samples will be taken in duplicate and will be taken inside the eggmobile and with the associated pasture. The study will be carried out over a 12 month period in order to capture the prevalence of SE over at least one 'typical' layer life-cycle at each of the 12 farms. </p><p.>Phase III: Under the supervision of Doctors Carnaccini and Sentíes -Cué a veterinary student will identify the absence/presence of SE in each swab via isolation and PCR. Group D Salmonella will be identified, but only SE (e.g one of several Group D Salmonella) will be recorded. </p><p>Phase IV: Data Analysis. Using SPSS, an ANOVA and post-hoc analysis will be performed in order to compare the prevalence of SE between the 12 farms and historical commercial data collected as part of the PIs 2013 SE study published in the journal Avian Diseases. The number of samples collected is dictated by the number of farms included in the study, the size of each farm, the number of eggmobiles and the number of flocks present on each farm. Based on these parameters we anticipate the collection of approximately 800 samples.</p>