Determination of Campylobacter spp. in poultry slaughterhouses and poultry meat.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry carcasses in poultry slaughterhouse areas and in poultry meat samples from the examined poultry slaughterhouses, following its placement on the market. The research was conducted in spring 2007 at 5 poultry slaughterhouses in Međimurje County, followed by an examination of poultry meat placed on the market for sale. A total of 75 poultry meat swabs, 15 samples of carcass cooling water and 15 samples of poultry meat collected in retail shops were examined. None of the samples collected in the premises of poultry slaughterhouses was found positive for Campylobacter spp. In 10 samples of poultry meat collected at the retail level the presence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli was determined. Key words: Campylobacter spp., poultry slaughterhouses, poultry meat