Abstract
This study was designed to isolate enteric bacteria from various sources in selected poultry farms in Kaduna state. One hundred and fifty samples of poultry feed, water and droppings from five poultry farms in Kafanchan, Zaria, Gonin-gora, Kamazou and Ungwan Television were examined for the presence of enteric bacteria. 30 samples were collected from each farm and were analysed using spread plate method. The culture media used were Selenite Feaces (SF) broth) and Bismuth sulphite agar. The contaminants isolated include Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Proteus mirabilis. The distribution of the isolates based on sample type were droppings (1.33%) and feed (2.67%). There was no significant difference in each of the samples (p>0.05). The percentage distribution of isolates based on location were: Kafanchan (0.00%), Zaria (0.00%), Kamazou (33.33%) for Salmonella and (16.67%) for Proteus mirabilis, Gonin-gora (50%), and Television (0.00%). The results showed that the poultry feeds and droppings from the poultry farms visited in Kaduna, Nigeria had bacteria contaminants. The presence of these bacteria may be a serious health concern as these organisms are involved in causing various diseases. Therefore, hygienic measures should be taken in processing and handling of the poultry products being sold to general public. The national and local health authorities should enforce the food hygiene regulations to reduce the spread of diseases caused by these enteric bacteria. Public enlightenment programmes on the modes of transmission of Salmonella, E. coli and P. mirabilis should be conducted by Human and Veterinary Public Health services. Further studies should be conducted to know the extent of distribution of these organisms in different areas of Kaduna State and the country at large.
Highlights
The term ‘poultry’ used in agriculture generally refers to all domesticated birds kept for egg laying, meat production or their feathers
Salmonella, E. coli and P. mirabilis were identified in the different feed and dropping samples
The occurrence of the organisms in poultry feed samples was 2.67% while that of the dropping was 1.33%
Summary
The term ‘poultry’ used in agriculture generally refers to all domesticated birds kept for egg laying, meat production or their feathers. Poultry comes from the French word poul, which was derived from Latin word pullus meaning small animals. Poultry farms (PFs) have appeared successful and wide spread business-industry in Nigeria, which often remains contaminated with various hazardous microorganisms when standard hygiene practices are compromised. Poultry remains the largest domestic animal stock in the world in terms of the number of animals. In Nigeria, poultry droppings are extensively used as manure for crop cultivation. The application of poultry droppings to land provides nutrients for the crop’s growth as well as organic matter for soil conditioning but this can pose danger to public health especially when the crops are eaten raw [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
