Pathogenic bacteria isolated from chickens sold at the Lae market.

Abstract

Cloacal swabs were taken from live poultry sold at the Lae market and screened for the presence of pathogenic enteric bacteria. Salmonella was isolated from less than 1% of birds, while Clostridium perfringens type A and Campylobacter jejuni/Campylobacter coli were recovered from 15.5% and 35.9% of birds respectively. Although the carrier rates for these organisms are relatively low, foodborne disease may eventuate because of poor hygiene during preparation of the carcass, and inadequate storage facilities for dressed and cooked birds.