Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Cow Milk and Poultry Environments on a Shared Farm: A Public Health Perspective from Minna, Niger State

Abstract This study investigates the prevalence of coliform contamination in fresh milk and the occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria within poultry environments on an integrated farm in Minna, Niger State. Bacterial isolates obtained from raw milk, poultry cloacal swabs, and intestinal swabs from commensal rats included Salmonella , Escherichia coli , and Klebsiella species. These isolates were screened for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production and antimicrobial resistance profiles. The results revealed a high level of bacterial contamination in milk samples, with significant associations between contamination levels and poor hygiene practices during milking and handling. Moreover, ESBL-producing bacteria displaying resistance to critically important antibiotics such as third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were identified across both dairy and poultry sources. These findings highlight a pressing public health concern and emphasize the need for improved biosecurity, hygiene interventions and integrated antimicrobial resistance surveillance to safeguard food safety and reduce the spread of MDR pathogens in animal-source foods.