Studies in Hatchery Sanitation

Abstract

LARGE air-borne bacterial populations have been revealed in hatcheries through the use of air sampling equipment and these have been regarded as indicators of the sanitary status of the operation; Anonymous (1960), Chute and Gershman (1961) and Gentry et al. (1962). Little is known, however, of the ecology of these airborne microorganisms; what is their role in initiating contamination of eggs and embryos; where are the reservoirs of contamination; where does multiplication occur? Magwood and Marr (1964) in describing a simplified bacteriological-statistical technique for assessing bacterial populations on surfaces in hatcheries, observed that air-borne bacterial counts were proportional to those of horizontal surfaces such as floors and table tops. Because of their relatively large area these surfaces were believed to harbor the major reservoir of contamination. They speculated that the organisms became air-borne from employee activity and were drawn into the hatchers where they multiplied during hatching. They were expelled…