Longitudinal survey investigating vectors and reservoirs for Campylobacter colonization of chickens on a New Zealand broiler poultry farm
28 August 2025
This longitudinal survey followed the life cycle of a New Zealand broiler flock to investigate sources of flock colonization by Campylobacter.
Campylobacteriosis is the most frequently notified enteric disease in New Zealand, and New Zealand has one of the highest rates of campylobacteriosis among industrialized countries. Reducing Campylobacter colonization of poultry at the farm level would reduce reliance on processing interventions for reducing Campylobacter contamination of broiler meat. This study aimed to identify on-farm sources of Campylobacter contamination in New Zealand broiler chicken flocks. No evidence was found that wildlife, chicken feed, drinking water, or parent breeder flocks were contaminating sources. Instead, carryover of Campylobacter from the previous flock or other farm flocks, and/or contamination from chicken catching crews and their equipment, may have contributed Campylobacter strains that colonized the study flock. These are key areas where the poultry industry might focus on-farm risk management practices to reduce colonization of broiler flocks by Campylobacter.
