Dianna Bourassa

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Dr. Bourassa’s research focuses on poultry processing, microbiology, and food safety. Her poultry processing research topic areas have included stunning and animal welfare, the effects primary processing parameters on carcass microbiology, carcass sampling methods for foodborne pathogens, as well as the effects of on farm interventions on fully processed carcasses.

RECENT COURSES TAUGHT

• POUL 2000 – Poultry and Egg Evaluation and Selection

GUEST LECTURES

Auburn University

• POUL 3030 – Commercial Poultry Production – Poultry Euthanasia
• POUL 5110/6110 – Poultry Processing – Poultry Stunning

2023

• Samoylov, A.V., K. Schwean-Lardner, T.G. Crowe, W. Daley, A. Giorges, B. Kiepper, D.V. Bourassa, B. Bowker, H. Zhuang, K. Christensen, and R.J. Buhr. 2023. Symposium: Alternative slaughter procedures: on-farm slaughter and transport system for broilers. Poult. Sci. 102:103137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.103137
• Urrutia, A.*, L. Orellana, K.S. Sierra, M. Reina, J.C. Figueroa, A.P. Jackson, K.S. Macklin, R.J. Buhr, and D.V. Bourassa. 2023. In vitro effect of photo-active compounds curcumin and chlorophyllin against single strains of Salmonella and Campylobacter. J. Food Prot. 86:100157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100157
• Barua, S., M.A. Bailey, K. Zhong, N. Iduu, T. Dormitorio, K.S. Macklin, D.V. Bourassa, S.B. Price, R. Hauck, J. Krehling, S. Kitchens, C. Kyriakis, R.J. Buhr, C. Wang. 2023. Role of darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) and litter in spreading and maintaining Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni in chicken flocks. Poult. Sci. 102:103061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.103061
• Munoz, L.R.*, J.T. Krehling, M.A. Bailey, D.V. Bourassa, W.J. Pacheco, B. Chaves-Cordoba, C. Escobar, L. Orellana-Galindo, Y. Adhikari, and K.S. Macklin. The role of dietary supplementation of yeast cell walls in response to a Campylobacter jejuni inoculation in broiler chickens. Avian Dis. In Press. https://doi.org/10.1637/aviandiseases-D-23-00003
• Munoz, L.R.*, M.A. Bailey, J.T. Krehling, D.V. Bourassa, M.R. Hauck, W.J. Pacheco, B. Chaves-Cordoba, K.S. Chasteen, A.A. Talorico, C. Escobar, A. Pietruska, and K.S. Macklin. Effect of yeast cell wall on performance, pathogen colonization, innate immune response, histomorphology, and slaughter characteristics of broiler chickens inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni at day 21. Poult. Sci. 102:102609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.102609
• Harris, C.E., L.N. Bartenfeld Josselson, D.V. Bourassa, and R.J. Buhr. 2023. Development of injection inoculation methods to simulate in ovo vertical transmission of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 32:100329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2023.100329
• Riggs, M.R.*, R. Hauck, B.I. Baker-Cook, R.C. Osborne, A. Pal, M.T. Bethonico Terra, G. Sims, A. Urrutia, L. Orellana-Galindo, M. Reina, J.F. DeVillena, and D.V. Bourassa. 2023. Meat quality of broiler chickens processed using electrical and controlled atmosphere stunning systems. Poult. Sci. 102:102422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2022.102422

2022

• Harris, C.E., L.N. Bartenfeld Josselson, D.V. Bourassa, and R.J. Buhr. 2022. Examination of the eggshell cuticle and membranes on their impact of Salmonella Enteritidis or Typhimurium recovery from inoculated and stored eggs. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 31:100297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2022.100297
• Gregg, C.R., O.J. Tejeda, L.F. Spencer, A.J. Calderon, D.V. Bourassa, J.D. Starkey, and C.W. Starkey. 2022. Impacts of increasing additions of choline chloride on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens reared to 66 days of age. Animals 12:1808. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141808
• Boyal, R.S.*, R.J. Buhr, C.E. Harris, L. Jacobs, and D.V. Bourassa. 2022. Evaluation of mechanical cervical dislocation, captive bolt, carbon dioxide, electrical methods for individual on-farm euthanasia of broiler breeders. Poult. Sci. 101:102000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2022.102000
• Gregg, C.R., O.J. Tejeda, L.F. Spencer, A.J. Calderon, D.V. Bourassa, J.D. Starkey, and C.W. Starkey. 2022. Effect of dietary choline chloride supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens reared to 32 days of age. Poultry 1:66-73. https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry1020007
• Bailey, M.A., D.V. Bourassa, J.T. Krehling, L. Munoz, K.S. Chasteen, C. Escobar, K.S. Macklin. 2022. Effects of common litter management practices on prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in broilers. Animals 12:858. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12070858
• Pal, A.*, A.P. Jackson, A. Urrutia, K.S. Macklin, S.B. Price, R.J. Buhr, and D.V. Bourassa. 2022. Research Note: Bacterial composition of settled dust during growout of broiler chickens. Poult. Sci. 101:101602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2021.101602

2021

• Pal, A.*, M.R. Riggs, A. Urrutia, R.C. Osborne, A.P. Jackson, M.A. Bailey, K.S. Macklin, S.B. Price, R.J. Buhr, and D.V. Bourassa. 2021. Investigation of the potential of aerosolized Salmonella Enteritidis on colonization and persistence in broilers from D 3 to 21. Poult. Sci. 100:101504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2021.101504
• Pal, A.*, M. Bailey, A.A. Talorico, J.T. Krehling, K.S. Macklin, S.B. Price, R.J. Buhr, and D.V. Bourassa. 2021. Impact of poultry litter Salmonella levels and moisture on transfer of Salmonella through associated in vitro generated dust. Poult. Sci. 100:101236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2021.101236
• Talorico, A.A., M.A. Bailey, L.R. Munoz, K.S. Chasteen, A. Pal*, J.T. Krehling, D.V. Bourassa, R.J. Buhr, and K.S. Macklin. 2021. The use of roller swabs for Salmonella detection in poultry litter. J. Appl. Poul. Res. 30:100163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2021.100163
• Jacobs, L., D.V. Bourassa, R.S. Boyal*, C.E. Harris, L.N. Bartenfeld Josselson, A. Campbell, G. Anderson, and R.J. Buhr. 2021. Animal welfare assessment of on-farm euthanasia methods for individual, heavy turkeys. Poult. Sci. 100:100812 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2020.11.001
• Bourassa, D.V., R.J. Buhr, C.E. Harris, and L.N. Bartenfeld Josselson. 2021. Assessment of stabilized hydrogen peroxide for use in reducing Campylobacter levels and prevalence on broiler chicken wings. J. Food Prot. 84:449-455. https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-20-356

2020

• Boyal, R.S.*, R.J. Buhr, C.E. Harris, L. Jacobs, and D.V. Bourassa. 2020. Equipment and methods for poultry euthanasia by a single operator. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 29:1020-1032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2020.09.010

2019

• Harris, C.E., L.N. Bartenfeld, D.V. Bourassa, B.D. Fairchild, B.H. Kiepper, and R.J. Buhr. 2019. Evaluation of drinking water antimicrobial interventions on water usage, feed consumption, and Salmonella retention in broilers following feed and water withdrawal. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 28:699-711. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz021
• Jacobs, L., D.V. Bourassa, C.E. Harris, and R.J. Buhr. 2019. Euthanasia: Manual versus mechanical cervical dislocation for broilers. Animals 9:47. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9020047
• Bourassa, D.V., J.L. Lapidus, A.E. Kennedy-Smith, and A. Morey. 2019. Efficacy of neutralizing buffered peptone water for recovery of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Enterobacteriaceae from broiler carcasses at various points along a commercial immersion chilling process with peroxyacetic acid. Poult. Sci. 98:393-397. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey361
• 2018

36. Harris, C.E., K.A. Gottilla, D.V. Bourassa, L.N. Bartenfeld, B.H. Kiepper, and R.J. Buhr. 2018. Impact of scalding duration and scalding water temperature on broiler processing wastewater loading. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 27:522-531. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfy041
37. Bourassa, D.V., K.M. Wilson, B.D. Fairchild, M. Czarick, and R.J. Buhr. 2018. Microbiological status of broiler respiratory tracts before and during catching for transport to the processing plant. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 27:597-602. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfy029
38. Wilson, K.M., D.V. Bourassa, B. McLendon, J.L. Wilson, and R.J. Buhr. 2018. Impact of skip-a-day and every-day feeding programs for broiler breeder pullets on the recovery of Salmonella and Campylobacter following challenge. Poult. Sci. 97:2775-2784. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey150
39. Bourassa, D.V., K.M. Wilson, C.R. Ritz, B.K. Kiepper, and R.J. Buhr. 2018. Evaluation of the addition of organic acids in the feed and/or water for broilers and the subsequent recovery of Salmonella Typhimurium from litter and ceca. Poult. Sci. 97:64-73. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex289

2017

• Buhr, R.J., D.V. Bourassa, A. Hinton, Jr., B.D. Fairchild, and C.W. Ritz. 2017. Impact of litter Salmonella status during feed withdrawal on Salmonella recovery from the broiler crop and ceca. Poult. Sci. 96:4361-4369. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex231
• Bourassa, D.V., B.C. Bowker, H. Zhuang, C.E. Harris, and R.J. Buhr. 2017. Impact of alternative electrical stunning parameters on the ability of broilers to recover consciousness and meat quality. Poult. Sci. 96:3495-3501. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex120
• Bourassa, D.V., E.L. Kannenberg, D.J. Sherrier, R.J. Buhr, and R.W. Carlson. 2017. The lipopolysaccharide lipid A long chain fatty acid is important for Rhizobium leguminosarum growth and stress adaptation in free-living and nodule environments. MPMI 30:161-175. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-11-16-0230-R

Articles Completed Prior to Auburn Appointment                                                           

• Gamble, G.R., M.E. Berrang, R.J. Buhr, A. Hinton, Jr., D.V. Bourassa, K.D. Ingram, E.S. Adams, P.W. Feldner, and J.J. Johnston. 2017. Neutralization of bactericidal activity related to antimicrobial carryover in broiler carcass rinse samples. J. Food Prot. 80:685-691. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-16-412
• Bourassa, D.V., K.M. Wilson, L.N. Bartenfeld, C.E. Harris, A.K. Howard, K.D. Ingram, A. Hinton, Jr., M.E. Berrang, G.R. Gamble, J.G. Frye, C.R. Jackson, and R.J. Buhr. 2017. Carcass orientation and drip time affect potential surface water carryover for broiler carcasses subjected to a post-chill water dip or spray. Poult. Sci. 96:241-245. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew275

2016

• Gamble, G.R., M.E. Berrang, R.J. Buhr, A. Hinton, Jr., D.V. Bourassa, J.J. Johnston, K.D. Ingram, E.S. Adams, and P.W. Feldner. 2016. Effect of simulated sanitizer carryover on recovery of Salmonella from broiler carcass rinsates. J. Food Prot. 79:710-714. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-15-461
• Jones, D.R., J. Guard, R.K. Gast, R.J. Buhr, P.J. Fedorka-Cray, Z. Abdo, J.R. Plumblee, D.V. Bourassa, N.A. Cox, L.L. Rigsby, C.I. Robison, P. Regmi, and D.M. Karcher. 2016. Influence of commercial laying hen housing systems on the incidence and identification of Salmonella and Campylobacter. Poult. Sci. 95:1116-1124. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew036
• Wilson, K.M., D.V. Bourassa, A.J. Davis, M.E. Freeman, and R.J. Buhr. 2016. The addition of charcoals to broiler diets did not alter the recovery of Salmonella Typhimurium during grow-out. Poult. Sci. 95:694-704. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pev371

2015

• Bourassa, D.V., J.M. Holmes, J.A. Cason, N.A. Cox, L.L. Rigsby, and R.J. Buhr. 2015. Prevalence and serogroup diversity of Salmonella for broiler neck skin, whole carcass rinse, and whole carcass enrichment sampling methodologies following air or immersion chilling. J. Food Prot. 78:1938-1944. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-15-189

2014

• Bartenfeld, L.N., D.L. Fletcher, J.K. Northcutt, D.V. Bourassa, N.A. Cox, and R.J. Buhr. 2014. The effect of high level chlorine carcass drench on the recovery of Salmonella and enumeration of bacteria from broiler carcasses. Poult. Sci. 93:2893-2899. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2014-04051
• Musgrove, M.T., C.B. Stephens, D.V. Bourassa, N.A. Cox, J.M. Mauldin, M.E. Berrang, and R.J. Buhr. 2014. Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella recovered from non-sanitized and sanitized broiler hatching eggs. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 23:516-522. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr.2014-00975
• Webb, M.L., J.L. Spickler, D.V. Bourassa, N.A. Cox, J.L. Wilson, and R.J. Buhr. 2014. Recovery of Salmonella serovar Enteritidis from inoculated broiler hatching eggs using shell rinse and shell crush sampling methods. Poult. Sci. 93:2117-2122. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2014-03992
• Cox, N.A., R.J. Buhr, D. Smith, J.A. Cason, L.L. Rigsby, D.V. Bourassa, P. Fedorka-Cray, and D.E. Cosby. 2014. Sampling naturally contaminated broiler carcasses for Salmonella by three different methods. J. Food Prot. 77:493-495. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-13-320
• Buhr, R.J., J.M. Walker, D.V. Bourassa, A.B. Caudill, B.H. Kiepper, and H. Zhuang. 2014. Impact of broiler processing scalding and chilling profiles on carcass and breast meat yield. Poult. Sci. 93:1534-1541. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-03535

2013

• Zhuang, H., B.C. Bowker, R.J. Buhr, D.V. Bourassa, and B.H. Kiepper. 2013. Effects of broiler scalding and chilling methods on quality of early-deboned breast fillets. Poult. Sci. 92:1393-1399. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2012-02814
• Buhr, R.J., J.L. Spickler, A.R. Ritter, D.V. Bourassa, N.A. Cox, L.J. Richardson, and J.L. Wilson. 2013. Efficacy of combination chemicals as sanitizers of Salmonella-inoculated broiler hatching eggshells. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 22:27-35. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr.2012-00537

2011

• Hannah, J.F., J.L. Wilson, N.A. Cox, L.J. Richardson, J.A. Cason, D.V. Bourassa, and R.J. Buhr. 2011. Horizontal transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter among caged and cage-free laying hens. Avian Dis. 55:580-587. https://doi.org/10.1637/9717-031511-Reg.1
• Hannah, J.F., J.L. Wilson, N.A. Cox, L.J. Richardson, J.A. Cason, D.V. Bourassa, and R.J. Buhr. 2011. Colonization of a marker and field strain of Salmonella Enteritidis and a marker strain of Salmonella Typhimurium in vancomycin-pretreated and non-pretreated laying hens. Avian Diseases 55:588-592. https://doi.org/10.1637/9718-031511-Reg.1
• Spickler, J.L., R.J. Buhr, N.A. Cox, D.V. Bourassa, and L.L. Rigsby. 2011. Comparison between rinse and crush-and-rub sampling for aerobic bacteria recovery from broiler hatching eggs after sanitization. Poult. Sci. 90:1609-1615. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2010-01305
• Hannah, J.F., J.L. Wilson, N.A. Cox, J.A. Cason, D.V. Bourassa, M.T. Musgrove, L.J. Richardson, L.L. Rigsby, and R.J. Buhr. 2011. Comparison of shell bacteria from unwashed and washed table eggs harvested from caged laying hens and cage-free floor-housed laying hens. Poult. Sci. 90:1586-1593. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2010-01115

2009

• Buhr, R.J., D.V. Bourassa, N.A. Cox, L.J. Richardson, R.W. Phillips, and L.C. Kelley. 2009. Evaluation of a quail embryo model for the detection of botulinum toxin type A activity. The Botulinum J. 1:281-296. DOI: 10.1504/TBJ.2009.031680

2006

• Vizzier-Thaxton, Y., N.A. Cox, L.J. Richardson, R.J. Buhr, C.D. McDaniel, D.E. Cosby, J.L. Wilson, D.V. Bourassa, and M.B. Ard. 2006. Apparent attachment of Campylobacter and Salmonella to broiler breeder rooster spermatozoa. Poult. Sci. 85:619-624. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/85.4.619

2005

• Buhr, R.J., D.V. Bourassa, J.K. Northcutt, A. Hinton, Jr., K.D. Ingram, and J.A. Cason. 2005. Bacteria recovery from genetically feathered and featherless broiler carcasses after immersion chilling. Poult. Sci. 84:1499-1504. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/84.9.1499
• Buhr, R.J., M.E. Berrang, J.A. Cason, and D.V. Bourassa. 2005. Recovery of bacteria from broiler carcass respiratory tracts before and after immersion scalding. Poult. Sci. 84:1769-1773. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/84.11.1769
• Cox, N.A., J.S. Bailey, L.J. Richardson, R.J. Buhr, D.E. Cosby, J.L. Wilson, K.L. Hiett, G.R. Siragusa, and D.V. Bourassa. 2005. Presence of naturally occurring Campylobacter and Salmonella in the mature and immature ovarian follicles of late-life broiler breeder hens. Avian Dis. 49:285-287. https://doi.org/10.1637/7324-011005
• Buhr, R.J., M.T. Musgrove, N.A. Cox, L.J. Richardson, J.L. Wilson, and D.V. Bourassa. 2005. Recovery of Campylobacter jejuni in the feces and semen from broiler breeder roosters following three routes of inoculation. Avian Dis. 49:577-581. https://doi.org/10.1637/7337-020205R.1
• Bourassa, D.V., D.L. Fletcher, R.J. Buhr, J.A. Cason, and M.E. Berrang. 2005. Recovery of salmonellae following pH adjusted pre-enrichment of broiler carcasses treated with trisodium phosphate. Poult. Sci. 84:475-478. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/84.3.475
• Buhr, R.J., D.V. Bourassa, J.L. Wilson, and D.L. Fletcher. 2005. Improved efficiency of intact crop removal for broiler breeder rooster and hen carcasses during manual evisceration. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 14:20-24. https://doi.org/10.1093/japr/14.1.20
• Cox, N.A., C.L. Hofacre, J.S. Bailey, R.J. Buhr, J.L. Wilson, K.L. Hiett, L.J. Richardson, M.T. Musgrove, D.E. Cosby, J.R. Tankson, Y.L. Vizzier, P.F. Cray, L.E. Vaughn, P.S. Holt, and D.V. Bourassa. 2005. Presence of Campylobacter jejuni in various organs one hour, one day, and one week following oral or intracloacal inoculation of broiler chicks. Avian Dis. 49:155-158. https://doi.org/10.1637/7234-070704R

2004

• Bourassa, D.V., D.L. Fletcher, R.J. Buhr, M.E. Berrang, and J.A. Cason. 2004. Recovery of Salmonellae from TSP treated commercially processed broiler carcasses after chilling and after seven day storage. Poult. Sci. 83:2079-2082. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/83.12.2079

2003

• Bourassa, D.V., R.J. Buhr, and J.L. Wilson. 2003. Elevated egg holding room temperature of 74ºF (23ºC) does not depress hatchability or chick quality. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 12:1-6. https://doi.org/10.1093/japr/12.1.1

2002

• Bourassa, D.V., J. Buhr, and J.L. Wilson. 2002. Hatchability of eggs sanitized with increasing concentrations of BioSentry 904 or Bio-Phene. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 11:397-401. https://doi.org/10.1093/japr/11.4.397