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Page No. : 21-26

ABSTRACT

Occurrence of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) in poultry layer farms and its associated risk factors was assessed in the present study. A total of 200 egg samples, pooled to form composite unit for egg surface and egg contents, and faecal samples were analysed. Additionally, relevant farm data was collected from 20 commercial poultry farms to assess farm biosecurity measures. Open dumping of dead birds was found to be a significant risk factor for Salmonella contamination in the farm (p<0.05). Notably, 75% of farmers administered prophylactic antimicrobials through feed. Out of 40 presumptive Salmonella isolates, 12 were confirmed using PCR (ompC, genus-specific) and the Vitek 2 Compact system. The isolation rate was 7.5% each from egg surfaces and feces. Salmonella Typhimurium was confirmed in two egg surface and two faeces samples, while one isolate each from these sources remained unidentified at the serovar level. Additionally, other bacterial isolates were identified, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from faeces, Shigella spp. from egg content, and Proteus mirabilis from egg surface and faeces. The detection of Salmonella on eggs surface is of particular public health concern, emphasizing the need for improved farm hygiene and biosecurity measures.

Keywords: Non-typhoidal Salmonella, poultry, biosecurity, egg, public health