"Campylobacter" prevalence and risk factors associated with exceeding allowable limits in poultry slaughterhouses in Spain

Abstract

Background: Campylobacter is the main pathogen involved in zoonotic gastrointestinal diseases. Last year, the European regulation 2017/1495 on Campylobacter in broiler carcasses came into force. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the potential risk factors associated with exceeding the 1,000 CFU/g criterion set by the European Commission in several slaughterhouses in Spain. Methods: Information relating to 12 factors were collected using questionnaires. Samples were collected from 12 Spanish abattoirs during June, July and August 2017 (n=1,725) and were analysed following ISO/TS 10272-2:2006 method. Results: The proportion of Campylobacter-positive samples was 23.7% (n=409). Analysis of the flock age (41-50 days) revealed a significantly increased OR in Campylobacter enumeration (OR=7.41). Moreover, scalding temperature (51.9.54 ºC) was positively associated with an increase in OR (OR=2.75). Time in transit to slaughter (1-1.5h), showed a significant OR decrease (OR=0.25). However, when processed for more than 2 hours, presented an increase in OR (OR=4.44). Regarding carcass weight, the range from 3.21-3.58 presented a decrease in OR (OR=0.01). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study suggest that although most chickens are contaminated by the bacterium, the prevalence that exceeds the limit of 1,000 CFU/ is not so high as we thought.