The Occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in Faeces of Domesticated Poultry

Abstract

A study designed to evaluate the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes ( the cause of human and animal listeriosis) in faeces of domesticated poultry in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria was undertaken. A total of 100 fresh faecal samples were obtained from a variety of poultry (40 ducks, 30 each of chickens and turkeys) and screened for Listeria monocytogenes using the University of Vermont (UVM) Listeria enrichment broth and Listeria selective media agar base (Oxford formulation). The results obtained showed that of the 100 samples screened, 42 (42%) were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Chickens accounted for the highest percentage 18(60%) of birds positive for Listeria monocytogenes followed by Turkeys 12 (40%) and the ducks 12 (30%). Other bacteria isolated included: Listeria grayi, Listeria murrayi, Baccillus spp, Enterococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, and Yeast. The public health implications of this pathogen detected in poultry faeces are discussed in relation to the use and methods of disposal of poultry faeces.