Researchers at North Carolina State University conducted a study comparing rates of Salmonella in fecal and environmental samples from both small backyard poultry farms and larger commercial farms. They found that Salmonella was more prevalent on commercial farms than on backyard farms. Multidrug resistance was also found in Salmonella samples from both types of farms, even though antibiotics are rarely used on backyard farms and only sparingly on commercial farms. This research aims to help both small and large farms better understand the spread of Salmonella in their systems, as well as highlight the importance of preventing Salmonella contamination in poultry products.
The study focused on broiler chickens raised for meat consumption, as there is limited research on Salmonella prevalence in backyard farms that are becoming more popular in the U.S. With the Centers for Disease Control issuing warnings on Salmonella outbreaks from backyard poultry farms, the researchers sought to investigate the pathogens present on these farms and compare them to commercial farms. A total of 10 backyard and 10 commercial flocks were tested, with the smallest backyard flock having 22 birds and the largest having 1,000 birds. In comparison, commercial farms had tens of thousands of birds housed indoors.
The research involved testing bird fecal samples, as well as environmental conditions like litter, soil, and feeders, for the presence of Salmonella and other pathogens. The study found that Salmonella was less prevalent on backyard farms (19.1% of samples) compared to commercial farms (52.3% of samples). Despite lower rates on backyard farms, the proportion of Salmonella that were multidrug resistant was not significantly different between the two types of farms. This highlights the importance of proper prevention measures to reduce the risk of Salmonella contamination and the potential for antibiotic resistance.
Common-sense prevention measures such as thoroughly cooking chicken and avoiding cross contamination while handling and preparing poultry can help consumers avoid Salmonella infections. Salmonella is a natural inhabitant of the bird gastrointestinal tract and birds often do not show signs of illness, making it important to be vigilant about preventing contamination. The antibiotic resistance associated with Salmonella is a major concern and heightens the potential for infection. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing antibiotic resistance in order to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
The results of this study were published in Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, with NC State’s Sid Thakur as the corresponding author. Co-authors include researchers from NC State, South Dakota State University, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. The study was funded by the USDA NIFA and the FDA GenomeTrakr program. By shedding light on the prevalence of Salmonella in different types of poultry farms and the challenges of antibiotic resistance, this research provides valuable insights for farmers, consumers, and public health officials in in addressing and preventing Salmonella contamination.
