Background

The current estimated annual incidence of campylobacteriosis In Canada is 447.23 cases per 100,000 people and the incidence of non-typhoidal salmonellosis (e.g., S. Enteritidis, S. Heidelberg, S. Typhimurium) is 269.26, making campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis the 3rd and 4th leading causes of enteric diseases, respectively. It is estimated that each year there are 4,000 hospitalizations and 105 deaths associated with domestically acquired foodborne illness; non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter were the key pathogens associated with these hospitalizations/deaths. The objectives of this research are 1) to investigate the national prevalence of Salmonellae, Campylobacter, and generic E. coli in broiler breeder flocks at slaughter, 2) to determine the AMR profile of Salmonellae, Campylobacter and generic E.coli derived from the cecal content of broiler breeders at slaughter and 3) to describe AMU in broiler breeders in the 4 months prior to their slaughter. This information will aid the Canadian poultry industry in addressing these concerns.

Funding

$75,900 (CPRC $40,000, Public Health Agency of Canada $21,800 (in-kind), Canadian Food Inspection Agency $3,000 (in-kind), Industry collaborators/collaborating veterinarians (Maple Lodge, Maple Leaf, La Coop Fédérée, Poultry Health Services) $3,000 (in-kind))