Prevalence of Salmonella Species Infection and Antibiotics Susceptibility of Isolates in Day-Old-Chicks from Hatcheries and Farm Markets in Ibadan, Nigeria

Salmonellae is a prevalent infection in the chicken industry. The infection in poultry is a persistent global problem that poses a hazard to both animal and public health. Salmonellae leads to reduced production efficiency and mortality in poultry, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. In order to ensure the health and productivity of poultry, it is essential to begin with high-quality day old chicks that are free from diseases. Poultry meat and eggs are significant contributors to the animal protein supply in Nigeria. A significant number of newly hatched chicks utilized for production are mostly sourced from the south-western states of Ogun and Oyo, and then moved to other regions within the country. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of Salmonellae infections and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates from day-old chicks produced in hatcheries and marketed in major markets in Ibadan, Oyo states, Nigeria. This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design and focused on key farm markets where day-old chicks are sold, as well as three hatcheries that were carefully selected. Farm markets and their respective locations, including the local government regions, were identified in Ibadan. A total of 135 cloacal swabs were collected from randomly selected day-old chicks. These chicks were obtained from 10 sellers at three major agricultural markets in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) and three hatcheries. Salmonellae isolation was performed using culture techniques that involved buffered peptone water, Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth, and Xylose Lysine deoxycholate agar. The isolates were characterised using standard biochemical testing and antibiotics susceptibility determined using agar diffusion. The overall prevalence of Salmonellae infection old day old chicks produced by hatcheries and sold in major farm markets in Ibadan is 4.4% (6/135). Day old chicks from the farm markets in egbeda had the highest prevalence of 10.0 % followed by Ibadan South West of 3.3% and Ibadan North Est of 0.0%. from the hatcheries, day old chicks from hatchery A has the highest prevalence of 13.3% while hatchery B and C had 0.0%. All the six Salmonellae isolates used for the antibiotics susceptibility test showed 100% resistance to Ampliclox, Amoxicillin clavulanate (Augmentin), Cefotaxime, Imipenem and Nalidixic acid. The isolates had moderate resistance to Ofloxacin (83%), Nitrafuratoin (83%), Ceftriaxine (67%) and Levofloxacin (67%). The Salmonellae isolates were found to be only 50% susceptible to Cefexime, 33% susceptible to Gentamycin, 17% susceptible each to Cefuroxime and Nitrafuratoin while all the isolates were not susceptible (0%) at all to the remaining eight antibiotics. Salmonellae infections of day old chicks sold in major markets in Ibadan was confirmed in this study. The isolates were multi-drug resistant and portending challenge to treatment as well as public health risks. There is a need for regular Salmonellae surveillance of day old chicks in farm markets and hatcheries, increased awareness programs for farmers and hatchery operators by government on proper biosecurity measures and risks involved in indiscriminate use of antibiotics in poultry and the resultant effects of antimicrobial resistance on animal and human health.