Abstract

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The study was undertaken to assess the risks of Salmonella infection present in faecal stained eggs, faecal materials and poultry feeds from live poultry markets and poultry feed shops in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 300 samples comprised of 100 faecal stained egg surface washes, 100 faecal materials and 100 poultry feed samples were collected. Enrichment, isolation and identification of Salmonella was done according to International Standard Method, ISO-6579 (2017): non-selective enrichment, selective enrichment and isolation using buffered peptone water (BPW), Selenite-F-broth and xylose lysine deoxycholate (XLD) agar respectively. Suspected colonies on XLD agar were confirmed morphologically by Gram's staining and indole production test for biochemical test. Out of 300 samples, a total of 83(27.67%) samples were found to be positive for Salmonella. Out of the positive samples 3.67% were egg surface washes, 24% faecal materials and 0% poultry feeds. The prevalence of Salmonella in egg washings, faecal materials and poultry feeds was 11%, 72% and 0% respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference (P>0.05) on prevalence of the Salmonella among isolates from the sample sources and location. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that Salmonella isolates recovered in poultry origin-samples suggest this could be a potential vehicle for Salmonella-food borne infection to humans. Hence, there is need to create awareness among the public, poultry sellers, farmers and local food vendors in the study area regarding adaptation of hygienic practices, strengthening biosecurity and implementation of preventive measures

Keywords: Prevalence, Salmonella, poultry feeds, faecal, eggs