Prevalence of six Campylobacter species in a New Zealand dairy goat herd

The occurrence of Campylobacter, a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans, was investigated on five occasions over 9 months at a housed dairy goat farm in New Zealand. Six Campylobacter species were sought in 249 fresh faecal samples of adults does using a combination of culture and molecular identification. Seventy-four (30%) samples were positive for Campylobacter. Four species were detected: C. jejuni (20%), C. coli (7%), C. lari (2%) and C. hyointestinalis (2%). These species have known association with human infection. C. fetus and C. upsaliensis were not detected. There were significant differences among samplings in the prevalence of C. jejuni (P < 0.001), C. coli (P < 0.001) and C. lari (P < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of good farm hygiene to prevent risk to workers handling the goats and disposing of bedding material, and to consumers of goat milk or meat.