responsible for approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 52,000 deaths in the
U.S. each year. The numbers in Canada are very similar (Powell, D. 2009). High-density,
overcrowded farms render the animals more susceptible to illness and become breeding grounds for
bacteria such as campylobacter, salmonella and E. coli.
a novel pathway for potential human exposure to antibiotic resistant bacteria from intensively raised
poultry. Researchers found increased levels of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant strains, on
surfaces and in the air inside vehicles traveling behind transport trailers carrying broiler chickens. The
strains of bacteria collected were found to be resistant to three antimicrobial drugs widely used to treat
bacterial infections in people, but also approved for use as feed additives for broiler chickens (Rule,
A.M., Silbergeld, E.K., Evans, S.L. 2008).
slaughtering process. In 1997 Geornaras et al. isolated salmonella from 100 percent of samples,
listeria from 33 percent, and Staphylococcus aureus from 20 percent of skin and feather samples
collected prior to scalding.
safety, and therefore a connection to human health and welfare, Cason et al. (2000) found that 75
percent of scald tank water samples were salmonella positive. The salmonella was found to have been
introduced through the excreta of still-live birds who entered the scald tank.
carcasses, following feather removal. Russell and Walker (1997) found feces on 10 percent of
carcasses post-viscera extraction and 19 percent post-crop removal, while Jimenez et al. (2003) found
feces on 11 percent and 5 percent of carcasses post-viscera extraction.
carcasses pre-chill, and 57 percent of carcasses post-chill.