Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. on chickens from selected retail processors in Trinidad

The prevalence of Campylobacter in chicken sold at “pluck shops” in Trinidad was investigated. “Pluck shops” were classified as medium or low sale and samples were collected from 6 counties in Trinidad. Swab samples of cloacae of birds before slaughter and the carcass surfaces after processing, were plated on blood-free Campylobacter agar base containing CCDA Selective Supplement and plates incubated at 42°C in 8% CO2 for 48 h. Of the 645 of each type of sample collected, 517 (80.2%) and 541 (83.9%) of the cloacal and carcass samples, respectively, were positive for Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter was recovered from 519 (81.1%) of 640 samples taken from medium-sale shops and from 539 (82.9%) of 650 samples from low-sale shops. The prevalence of Campylobacter was statistically significantly different when related to the length of time a bird is kept in the shop (p=0.03) and the location of carcass for sale (p=0.02). The frequency of Campylobacter in chickens sold at “pluck shops” in Trinidad is high and poses a potential health risk to the consumer. The need to institute sanitary conditions at these establishments cannot be over-emphasized.