BACTERIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF FRESH COW MILK AT BIRSHIN GANDU YELWA BAUCHI

This study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of fresh cow milk produced and sold in Birshin Gandu Yelwa, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 20 fresh cow milk samples were collected from five different milking points within the study area over a period of four weeks. The samples were analyzed using standard microbiological methods, including total viable plate count, coliform count, isolation, characterization, and identification of bacterial isolates through Gram staining and biochemical tests. The mean total viable bacterial count ranged from 2.4 × 10⁶ CFU/mL to 8.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL, while the mean total coliform count ranged from 1.2 × 10⁵ CFU/mL to 4.5 × 10⁵ CFU/mL. All values obtained exceeded the acceptable limits set by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of 1.0–3.0 × 10⁵ CFU/mL for total plate count and zero coliform count per 100 mL of milk sample. A total of 68 bacterial isolates were obtained and identified. The predominant isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (25 isolates, 36.8%), followed by Escherichia coli (14 isolates, 20.6%), Salmonella typhi (9 isolates, 13.2%), Bacillus cereus (8 isolates, 11.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6 isolates, 8.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4 isolates, 5.9%), and Enterobacter spp. (2 isolates, 2.9%). The high microbial load and the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in fresh cow milk sampled from Birshin Gandu Yelwa indicate poor hygienic practices during milking, handling, and storage. The study recommends improved hygiene education for milk handlers, adoption of pasteurization, and regular bacteriological monitoring of milk sold in the area to safeguard public health. Keywords: Bacteriological assessment, fresh cow milk, bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus aureus, Birshin Gandu Yelwa, Bauchi.