Occurrence of Salmonellae in Chickens from some Selected Poultry Farms in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

• This study provides a novel investigation into the prevalence of Salmonella species in poultry from selected farms in Kano, Nigeria, using comprehensive random sampling techniques across multiple local government areas.
• The findings reveal a notably low prevalence of asymptomatic Salmonella infections (1.54%) among chickens, potentially attributable to effective hygiene practices, biosecurity measures, and biological control of vectors.
• This research contributes valuable baseline data for the epidemiological understanding and management of Salmonella in poultry farms within the region.

Full Abstract

Infections with bacteria of the genus Salmonella are responsible for a variety of acute and chronic diseases in poultry. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Salmonella species in chickens from some selected poultry farms in Kano, Nigeria. Random sampling method was used in the study. One (1) farm was chosen from each of the eight (8) selected Local Government areas of the State. Thirteen (13)  samples each from cloacae, egg, dust, drag and boots which is (65) from each farm) were collected from apparently healthy chickens (layers), transported immediately to the laboratory for analyses. The colonies were subsequently subjected to Gram-staining and microscopy. Eight Salmonella isolates were determined, three (3) were isolated from boot swabs, two (2) from cloacal swabs and one (1) each from egg, dust and drag swabs. All the isolates were confirmed by serological test; using Salmonella “O” antigen; group A-S (Oxoid). Asymptomatic Salmonella infection among chickens in the sampled farms is low with (1.54%). The low occurrence could be attributed to proper hygienic practices, biosecurity measure as well as application of biological control of rodents and other vehicles of Salmonella.