SAMPLING KITS

Poultry Drag Swabs 1"X 2" cellulose sponge

Salmonella contamination of poultry and other livestock products is a worldwide concern. Reduction of Salmonella contamination at the farm has been identified as an important step in the resolution of this problem. To meet this objective, methods for monitoring Salmonella contamination in livestock shelters, beginning with Drag Swab sampling, have been developed in concert with the University of Maryland and the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. Drag Swab kits are sterile sampling devices used to sample poultry litter for pathogenic organisms, e.g. Salmonella.

A specimen is collected, using this device, by dragging the swab, which is pre-moistened with double strength skim milk (Difco), along the floor for 10 to 20 minutes. The skim milk (holding medium) provides a protective environment for any Salmonellae collected and makes the swab slightly sticky enhancing adherence of litter particles. The above procedure can be modified to accommodate rows of piled manure, cage layers, etc. The gauze swab and string are then placed into the sterile twirl style transport bag identified and transported to the laboratory.

Each kit contains a sterile 1” X 2' cellulose sponge (pre-moistened with double strength skim milk) attached to a cord approx. six feet in length packaged in a shatterproof screw cap vial, a pair of sterile co-polymer sampling gloves and a sterile 18OZ twirl-tie style sample bag.