Prevalence and risk factors for multidrug-resistant Salmonella in poultry houses in parts of Nasarawa Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Salmonella is a significant zoonotic bacterium with implications for public health. This study investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors for Salmonella in poultry houses located in Nasarawa town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of sixty samples, including hand swabs from poultry handlers, surface swabs from the poultry pen, egg shells, feed, and faecal droppings, were analyzed for the presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella using standard microbiological techniques. A structured questionnaire was administered to identify risk factors linked to the occurrence of Salmonella in these poultry houses. Chi-square statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the identified risk factors and the occurrence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was found to be 21.7% (13 out of 60 samples). A significant statistical relationship (p = 0.031) was determined between the occurrence of Salmonella and the various sample types analysed. Additionally, a statistically significant association (p= 0.014) was observed between the presence of rodents in the pens, lack of footbath disinfection, source of drinking water, and the presence of other livestock, with the occurrence of Salmonella in the poultry houses. All 13 Salmonella isolates displayed complete (100%) resistance to ampicillin, augmentin, and chloramphenicol. This research provides foundational data on the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in poultry houses within parts of Nasarawa, Nigeria. The alarming level of antibiotic resistance seen in the Salmonella isolates poses a significant public health threat.