Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni Infections among Japanese Quails and Exotic Chickens in Vom, Nigeria.

Abstract

A total of 350 cloacal swab samples were collected from Japanese quail birds (Coturnix coturnix japonica), chicken layers and chicken broilers in Vom, for the detection of the presence of Campylobacter jejuni in them. Of these birds, 200(57.1%), 80(22.9%) and 70(20%) samples were obtained from Japanese quails, chicken layers and chicken broilers respectively. Using the modified Preston selective medium, a total of 33(9.4%) isolates of C. jejuni was recorded, representing 8(2.2%), 10(2.9%) and 15(4.3%) from Japanese quails, chicken layers and chicken broilers respectively. In this study, 39(11.2%) unidentified Campylobacter species were also recovered. Statistical analysis of results, showed a significant difference in the prevalence of C. jejuni amongst the various age groups of Japanese quails (P<0.05). A
significant difference also existed in the prevalence of C. jejuni in chickens of various ages (P<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of the organism in the Japanese quails and the chickens (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in prevalence of the organism in the chicken layers and broilers (P>0.05).