Campylobacteriosis

Introduction

Campylobacteriosis occurs worldwide in chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons, game birds, quail, puffins, gulls and geese of all ages. There is also a risk to human health. Campylobacter is the most common cause of infectious bacterial enteritis (food poisoning) worldwide. There are two species which cause human disease; Campylobacter jejuni accounts for over 90% with Campylobacter coli making up the remainder. There has been increasing international concern at the rising incidence of Campylobacter infection worldwide, which displays a marked seasonality, peaking in late spring and early summer.

This may be due to changes in the shedding/colonisation of Campylobacter jejuni by the natural hosts and changes in human behaviour such as BBQs and swimming in non-disinfected waters, e.g. streams, leading to increased risk of exposure to Campylobacter. Both species of Campylobacter are found in the intestinal tract of a wide variety of wild or domesticated animals which show no sign of disease. In poultry they multiply in the hindgut. Campylobacteriosis occurs worldwide in chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons, game birds, quail, puffins, gulls and geese of all ages. There is also a risk to human health. It is caused by microaerophile bacteria- Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lardis.

Other Names

Campylobacter hepatitis

Organism or Mechanism

It is caused by microaerophile bacteria - Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobactor fetus jejuni bacteria, C. coli and C. lardis are microaerophile, gram-negative, spiral and uniflagellate bacteria.

Preventive Measures

 • Control vectors.

 • Use competitive exclusion products such as Aviguard, Broilact probiotic (12)

 • Avoid Contaminated feed and water, litter, cannibalism, houseflies, cockroaches, wild free-flying birds and mice that can spread the organism.

Special Note: People are very susceptible to the organism. Food-borne contamination of uncooked poultry is a significant problem. Up to 2 million causes of enteritis a year may be due to this bacteria.

Effects of Campylobacteriosis

 • Most chickens are carriers of the bacteria without clinical symptoms. The importance is just for human health.

 • There is a 24-72 hour incubation period. Depression, soiled vent, and diarrhoea can be seen.

Postmortem lesions

 • Distension (enlargement) of the intestinal tract, accumulation of mucus, watery fluid and haemorrhages in intestines can be seen.

 • Focal hepatic necrosis may also be present.

Management Treatment

 • Add formic acid (calcium formate) to feed to ensure a low pH in the gut and control bacterial contamination of wet feed (2kg-4kg per ton) 

Physical Treatments

Nutritional Treatments

Herbal Treatments

Homeopathic Treatments

• Gelsimium (20)