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<p>This project aims to assess the relative importance of drinker systems to the infection rates of salmonella and campylobacter, and to ascertain which are the most effective and practicable cleaning routines to maintain biosecurity on commercial broiler units.
<p>Co-operation with the local poultry producers will allow sampling over a three-year period and waters from all parts of the delivery system will be tested in the laboratory. Testing of birds will indicate flock pathogen status.
<p>Sensitive methods of isolation will be employed to allow detection of salmonella and campylobacter present in water.
<p>Infected birds may cross contaminate drinkers, and waters further back in the delivery system (e.g. header tanks) will be specifically targeted.
A number of studies have indicated that poultry drinking water may be a potential source of campylobacter and salmonella in broiler units.
<p>There are a variety of water sources, including borehole, spring and potable mains and a range of delivery devices used in industry.
<p>The presence of pathogens in broilers indicates a failure in overall biosecurity in which contaminated water may be a part.
<p>There may be a number of different pathways to contaminate drinker systems, including contaminated source water, ineffective cleaning procedures, effective cleaning procedures incorrectly applied or poorly designed delivery systems.
<p>Salmonella and Campylobacter can also be introduced from other sources within the production system, and therefore the relative importance of the water system can be difficult to define.
<p>This research project aims to assess the relative importance of drinker systems to the infection rates of salmonella and campylobacter in poultry.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.