Prevalence of salmonella species in raw chicken and quail eggs isolated from selected farms in jos plateau state

Investigations were carried out to ascertain the prevalence of Salmonella species in raw chicken and quail eggs isolated from selected farms in Jos Plateau state. One hundred and eighty egg samples each from chicken and quail were randomly collected from five poultry farms from the three Local Government Areas namely, Jos north. Jos south, and Jos east making a total of 360 samples. Samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella species using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were confirmed phenotypically using biochemical characterization. Results showed that out of the 360 samples, only 3(1.7%) were positive for Salmonella species from chicken eggs. Negative result for Salmonella species from quail eggs was recorded. There was no significant difference of Salmonella species among quail and chicken eggs sampled. Results from five farms in Jos South LGA showed among the different locations sampled, Bukuru and Zawan were the only locations that recorded the prevalence of Salmonella species, with 1(8.3%) and 2(16.7%) respectively in Chicken eggs. Quail eggs recorded a prevalence of 0(0.0%) among all the locations sampled. From the egg shell and egg contents sampled, chicken eggs recorded a prevalence of 3(1.7%) from the egg shell and 0(0.0%) from the egg contents. Quail eggs recorded a prevalence of 0(0.0%) from both the egg content and shell. There was no significant difference between prevalence of Salmonella species isolated from quail and chicken eggs sampled. Infections caused by Salmonella species is of great public health importance. Adequate measures should be taken to eliminate Salmonella in Poultry products so that infections arising from contamination of poultry products with this organism will be reduced to a minimal level.