Research links higher campylobacter count to stress

A study conducted by a researcher of the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, UK, has shown that the campylobacter bacterium is more likely to attack birds that are stressed, according to a news report.
The findings of the study, carried out by Professor Tom Humphrey in collaboration with the UK poultry industry, were presented at a summer conference organized by Society for Applied Microbiology in Manchester.
The results show that bacteria like campylobacter are higher in the gut of animals after transport than when they are on farm. Professor Humphrey said this could be due to the stress hormone adrenalin, which provides an environment in which the bacteria can multiply more rapidly.
There are approximately 400,000 cases of campylobacter food poisoning in the UK every year.