Original Contribution EFFECT OF 30-DAY STORAGE AT MINUS 18ºC ON CAMPYLOBACTER CONTAMINATION OF FROZEN JAPANESE QUAILS (COTURNIX COTURNIX)

Studies on prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in quails, partridges and pheasants, as well as the contamination of poultry products shows contradictory results. This paper shows data for the presence of Campylobacter contamination in three batches of broiler quails and the effect of 30-day storage at minus 18oC on broilers. Sampled quails are of Faraon breed. Campylobacter was isolated from 7.8% of quails before freezing. C. jejuni was the most frequently isolated Campylobacter species (71.4%), followed by C. coli (28.6%). After 30-day storage Campylobacter was found only from 4.4% of quail samples, of which C. jejuni was isolated from 75% and C. coli from 25% of quails.