Breakthrough in the battle against campylobacter in poultry

A scientific breakthrough by Irish researchers could lead to the development of broiler birds resistant to campylobacter.

While infection by the bacterium causes minimal problems for the birds themselves, it is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the EU. And the poultry sector is being targeted as it has been suggested that up to 85% of human infections are caused by campylobacters from poultry.

Irish researchers are currently looking at the problem and as reported in the Irish Examiner, a team at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin have identified genes in chickens that seem to boost their immunity to campylobacter.

Cliona O’Farrelly, who leads the research team, commented that chickens have a high degree of genetic diversity to help them fight a variety of infections.

“Irish chickens have a notably strong and diverse genetic heritage, thanks largely to extensive migration and repeated interbreeding with jungle fowl, the chicken’s wild ancestor.”

A number of other approaches at tackling campylobacter are being investigated in the EU, including the development of a vaccine against campylobacter.