Drag Swabs Poultry Sampling Kits

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 USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. Drag Swab Poultry Sampling Kits are sterile sampling devices used to sample poultry litter for pathogenic organisms, e.g. Salmonella. Each pocket-size kit contains a 30-mL polypropylene vial that encloses a sterile 4-ply 3”x3” cotton gauze swab (pre-moistened with double strength skim milk) attached to a cord about six feet in length. Also included for your convenience is a label and a plastic biohazard transport bag.

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 particles1. The above procedure can be modified to accommodate rows of piled manure, cage layers, etc. The gauze swab and string are then placed into a biohazard labeled bag for transport to the laboratory.

References:
1. Mallinson, E.T. (1991) Novel salmonella detection system developed; combines increased reliability, practicality. Article in Feedstuffs: The weekly newspaper for agribusiness - January 28 1991
Food Safety and Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems.
Appendix E FSIS Sample Collection Guidelines and Procedure for Isolation and Identification of Salmonella from Raw Meat and Poultry Specimens. Federal Register / Vol. 61, No.144 / Thursday, July 25, 1996 / Rules and Regulations: 38917-38929.