ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SHIGELLA IN SOME COMMERCIAL POULTRY FEEDS

The study was aimed at isolation and identification of Shigella spp. from poultry feeds. A total of four 4 samples were collected from two (2) commercial poultry farms and were analyzed using standard bacteriological methods. The mean bacterial load showed that poultry droppings had the highest load with colonies 8.7±1.15a x105 followed by the feeds 6.9±1.73b x105. The overall prevalence of Shigella spp. in these samples are 60% and 40% respectively. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. are 60%, 70% and 50% whereas the prevalence of Shigella spp. are 40%, 50% and 30% respectively. The two isolates showed varying degrees of resistance to antibiotics tested and completely susceptible to ciprofloxacin and augmentin. The result of this study suggested that these samples are sources of Shigella spp. in poultry farms as well as showing multi drug resistance. Their presence pose a significant public health problem, hence there is need for effective preventive measures in processing and handling of these samples. The study was aimed at isolation and identification of Shigella spp. from poultry feeds, drinking water and droppings used in different farms in Maiduguri Borno State.