Water spray and immersion in chemical sanitizer to lower bacterial numbers on broiler transport coop flooring

Broiler transport coops become soiled with feces during use. When this fecal matter contains Campylobacter, the result can be cross-contamination of subsequent flocks that were previously free of this important human pathogen. Because washing and sanitizing coops requires large amounts of water and is not always effective enough to justify the expense, few broiler companies wash and sanitize dump coops between flocks. In this lab-scale study, a tap water spray was effective in lowering the numbers of bacteria, including Campylobacter, associated with broiler transport coop flooring. Immersion in a chemical sanitizer after spray washing did not enhance the antibacterial effect. It is possible that sanitizing treatments could be made more effective by using higher concentrations of chemicals, high temperature treatment, or high pressure or repeated applications of water spray. However, such changes would come at a cost. Research is needed to find new and innovative ways to lower bacterial numbers in broiler transport coops without undue use of water and the associated expense.