PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA SPECIES INFECTION IN POULTRY FARMING SYSTEMS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS NIGERIA

Nneka Victoria Asogwa, Theophilus Kachi Udeani, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu*, Benneth Emmanuel Asogwa, Chidimma Maureen Chukwueze

ABSTRACT

Salmonella infection in poultry has remained a serious community health problem globally. This has resulted to the financial load of not only developed as well as underdeveloped nations. This study investigated the prevalence of salmonella species infection in poultry farming system. Stool samples were collected from different farms in Enugu metropolis. A well structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on clinical pattern of the birds. Stool samples collected were analyzed using selenite F and then subcultured unto deoxycholatecitrate agar (SSA) and salmonella-shigella agar. Those with salmonella growth were identified using motility test, sugar fermentation test, urease test and oxidase test. A total of 120 stool samples were collected from different farms in Enugu metropolis. Out of 120 stool droppings, the bacteriological examination reveals 54 (45%) strains of Salmonella, 63(52.5%) yielded normal intestinal flora [ie E coli] while 3(2.5%) yielded no bacteria growth. Overall Prevalence rate of 45% was observed in the four different groups of broilers the prevalence of 8(14.8%) was observed in Uzo farm, 16(29.6%) was observe in peters farm, 8(14.8%) in Uche’s farm and22 (40.7%) observed in Phinoma farm Ngwo . This Phinoma farm had the highest prevalence rate as shown in diagram.

Keywords: Prevalence, Salmonella species, Infection in poultry farming.