Prevalence of Salmonella Organisms in Poultry and Poultry Environments in Jamaica.
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Date
2013-10
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Abstract
Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp
contamination in the Jamaican poultry industry and its environments.
Materials and Methods: A total of 45 farms across 6 Jamaican parishes were selected for
this study. A total of 6693 specimens from animals and the environment were investigated
for the presence of Salmonella spp. All specimens were placed in an igloo with ice packs
and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Bacteriological media obtained from Difco
Laboratories Detroit MI U.S.A were used for the isolation and identification of Salmonella
spp. Salmonella serological typing was performed to determine the Salmonella serovar by
standard procedures.
Results: This study revealed a low prevalence of Salmonella contamination/infection in
both small and large entities in the poultry industry in Jamaica. The overall prevalence was
1 % (79 positive out of 6693 specimens). However, a higher prevalence of Salmonella was
observed in the case of those operations which practiced “organic” poultry farming. It was
shown that two Salmonella serovars including Augustenborg and Kentucky, identified during the study, are newly reported serovars in Jamaica. The sources of Salmonella
infection varied from poultry itself to other species, such as rodents, pigs and insects.
Improper disposal of broken eggs, wet bedding and other fomites contributed to Salmonella
contamination.
Conclusions: The results of the study indicate possibility of salmonellosis (zoonosis) in
Jamaica, although the prevalence of Salmonella spp was low, and the need for improved
quality of the food industry, animal care and human health to prevent salmonellosis.
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Keywords
Salmonella, prevalence, Jamaica, poultry
Citation
Curtello Suzette, Vaillant Angel A Justiz, Asemota Helen, Akpaka Patrick E, Smikle Monica P. Prevalence of Salmonella Organisms in Poultry and Poultry Environments in Jamaica. British Microbiology Research Journal. 2013 Oct; 3(4): 461-469.