Limits of detection and feasibility of DNA-based detection of Salmonella in poultry production

Foodborne pathogens inflict a serious health and economic toll on Ontarians, highlighting the needfor sensitive and rapid detection of these microbes throughout the food supply chain. Foodpathogens are typically detected through the growth of the offending microbes in the laboratory.Recently, there has been increasing interest in detecting pathogens using methods that detect theirDNA, rather than through growth. DNA-based methods have the potential to be faster, and in somecases cheaper, than growth-based tests. However, it is unclear whether DNA-based methods aresufficiently sensitive, nor how widely applicable they are. We will undertake a series of experiments todetermine the sensitivity and applicability of DNA-based tests in poultry primary production. Ourfindings will help to provide guidance concerning the appropriate use of DNA-based tests inagricultural production.