With the success of the first sold-out Campylobacter 101 Workshop in March and the new USDA performance standards governing the presence of Campylobacter, NAMP is partnering again with Auburn University and Texas A&M University to offer a new two-day workshop Aug. 23-24, 2011, at Auburn University (just a 75-minute drive from the Atlanta airport). It will cover the isolation and identification of the pathogen, as well as data analysis and interpretation.
Attendees will gain a working knowledge of the most current techniques used to identify the pathogen, as well as the appropriate measures needed to control it.
The first day will feature Dr. Christine Alvarado of Texas A&M with an update on FSIS policies regarding Campylobacter. Dr. Shelly McKee of Auburn will deliver an introduction to the pathogen. She will be joined by NAMP Science Advisor and Auburn professor Dr. Manpreet Singh to discuss sampling techniques and qualitative vs. quantitative measurements.
The afternoon will be devoted to a hands-on laboratory experience with sampling and culture techniques for Campylobacter from poultry. On the second day, Dr. Alvarado and Dr. McKee will return to discuss pre- and post harvest multi-hurdle strategies for controlling Campylobacter. Dr. Singh will lead the participants through validation and verification techniques.
After lunch, another hands-on laboratory experience will work with verification, plate counting and data evaluation.
Registration opens Wednesday at www.namp.com. Also get more information, including lodging and accommodation info.
Source: North American Meat Processors Association