The prevalance of salmonella species among poultry birds in Ekpoma Edo-state, Nigeria.

Abstract

Fowl typhoid is acute infectious enteritis causing heavy mortality in growers or adult birds; though chicks can be affected. It is caused by the bacterium salmonella enteric Serovars Gallinarum, a member of the family enterobacteriaceae. This research was designed to determine the prevalence of salmonella species among poultry birds in Esan West Local Government Area, Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 160 faecal samples were collected from Cockerels, Layers, Broilers and Chicks (n=40 each). The samples were then subjected to microbiological analysis using standard biological and biochemical procedures, while the susceptibility patterns of the isolates was determined using the disc diffusion method. Of all the samples examined 6 (3.75%) were positive for Salmonella species, 142 (88.75%) were positive for Escherichia coli and 12 (7.5%) were positive for Staphylococus species. The results showed that the prevalence of Salmonella species was relatively lower than envisaged owing to routine vaccination, but more prevalent among cockerels and chicks. Although, susceptibility pattern of fowl typhoid varies with season, type of poultry bird, immunization status and level of hygiene, it is our recommendation that prompt vaccination of poultry birds is important, while basic hygiene practices should be strengthened.

Keywords: Prevalence and poultry Birds, Salmonella species in Ekpoma community.