Occurrence and characterization of Salmonella isolates in raw eggs from quail and chicken in selected poultry farms in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

The study was carried out in three Local Government Areas: Jos North, Jos South and Jos East. For each egg type, twelve (12) samples each were collected from five (5) farms. A total of 360 samples were randomly collected consisting of equal number of quail and chicken eggs (180 each). A well-structured questionnaire was used to help analyze the results.  Samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella isolates using standard microbiological practices. Isolates were confirmed using biochemical tests, and molecular characterization (using specific primers). Isolates were also tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion method. Results showed that 3(1.7%) chicken eggs were positive for Salmonella infection whereas no positive result was recorded from quail eggs. This resulted in a total prevalence of 0.9%. Bukuru and Zawan (Jos South) were the only farm locations with Salmonella positive cases with 1(8.3%) and 2(16.7%) respectively. Although the present finding has found low prevalence of salmonellosis in chicken and quail egg in the study area, there is need for constant monitoring on regular basis to avert health risks associated with consuming Salmonellae infected poultry products in endemic areas. The three (3) isolates were Salmonella Gallinarum and gave agglutination reaction with polyvalent O antisera and no reaction with polyvalent H antisera. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results confirmed all the three (3) isolates that were successfully amplified using specific primers, thus supporting phenotypic outcome. The information provided in this report is crucial to all stakeholders including the poultry farmers, consumers and regulators of chicken products.\r\n\r\n\tKey Words: Salmonella; Quail and Chicken eggs; Jos; Nigeria