ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SKIN OF GOATS AND SHEEP IN SHINGE MARKET LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE

This study investigated the bacterial flora present on the skin of goats and sheep in Shinge Market Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and 30 skin swab samples (15 goats and 15 sheep) were randomly collected from various livestock markets, farms, and slaughterhouses. Standard microbiological methods were employed for bacterial isolation, including culture on selective media and biochemical characterization using Gram staining, catalase, coagulase, oxidase, urease, and other biochemical tests. The results revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., and Proteus spp. on the skin of these animals. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated organism, followed by E. coli and Bacillus spp. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the prevalence of bacterial isolates between goat and sheep skin. The findings suggest that both species harbor similar skin microbiota, including organisms of public health concern. The detection of E. coli and S. aureus points to potential hygiene and food safety risks, especially in meat handling and processing. This study highlights the importance of adopting proper hygienic measures and continuous microbial surveillance in livestock environments. The presence of opportunistic and environmental bacteria further supports the One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. These findings can guide policy formulation, veterinary public health strategies, and educational campaigns aimed at reducing zoonotic risks in livestock management systems. Keywords: Bacterial isolation, goats, sheep, skin microbiota, public health, Lafia.