Udujih et al

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IAA Journal of Biological Sciences 10(2):28-35, 2023. ISSN: 2636-7254
©IAAJOURNALS
Prevalence of Salmonella in Poultry Farmers in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Helen Ifeoma Udujih1, Faith C. Alinachukwu1, Chimezie Christian Iwuala2

and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu3
1
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State,
Nigeria.
2
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of
Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
3
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.
Corresponding author: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Department of Medical Laboratory
Science, Kampala International University, Uganda, emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT

There had been several reports on the high prevalence of salmonella infection among poultry
farmers in Nigeria. This study is aimed at investigating the prevalence of salmonella infection
among poultry farmers in Owerri, Imo State. A total of ninety poultry farmers were recruited
for the study. The subjects consisted of forty-five males and forty-five female poultry
farmers. Stool sample was collected in a plain sterile container. The presence of salmonella
infection was detected using standard microbiological procedures. Data generated was
expressed in percentage and presented in tables. A total of forty-three (43) poultry farmers
were recruited for the study of which a total of 25(58.14%) poultry farmers has salmonella
infection. There was a significant difference between the numbers of poultry farmers that
showed the presence of salmonella infection when compared to the number of poultry farmer
without salmonella infection. On the assessment of the safety practice method adopted by
poultry farmers, 69.77% reported that they do not wear gloves when handling chickens,
72.09% reported that they do not wear face masks and apron, 97.64% reported that they do
not wear hair restraint while 27.91% reported that they do not cut their finger nails. The
prevalence of salmonella infection among poultry farmers in Owerri, Imo State is high when
compared with reports from other studies. The age group >43 years has the highest
prevalence of salmonella infection, while the prevalence of salmonella infection is high
among females, married and poultry farmers with poor education. This study confirms that
poultry farmers in Owerri have poor knowledge and practice but moderate attitude on
salmonella infection prevention.
Keywords: prevalence, salmonella, poultry, farmers

INTRODUCTION
Salmonella spp. is a Gram-negative rod- Salmonella enterica and Salmonella
shaped bacterial which is one of the most bongori [6-8]. S. enterica is divided into six
common infectious agents in the tropics, subspecies (enterica, salamae, arizonae,
especially in areas with poor hygiene [1-4]. diarizonae, houtenae and indica) and each
The source of infection with Salmonella one of them has several serovars or
spp. comes from human or animal feces or serotypes. Nowadays, more than 2500
urine which contaminates drinking water serotypes are known and almost 1500 of
and food so that it becomes a source of them belong to the subspecies enterica [9].
infection, besides fish, flies and dust can Most pathogenic isolates from humans and
also act as intermediaries for other mammals belong to S. enterica
salmonellosis [5]. The bacteria of the subspecies enterica. Other S. enterica
genus Salmonella are responsible for subspecies and S. bongori are more
illnesses in human beings and animals. common in cold-blooded animals and the
The genus is divided into two species:

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environment, with lower pathogenicity to the main source. From the early years, the
humans and livestock [10]. most common agent of human foodborne
A few serotypes are host specific; i.e., S. disease was Salmonella typhimurium, but
typhi is implicated in typhoid fever in in the last few decades the frequency of
human beings, while Salmonella pullorum Salmonella enteritidis has dramatically
and gallinarum are responsible for increased [12].
bacillary white diarrhoea and fowl typhoid Poultry farming is the form of animal
in poultry, respectively (Zhang et al., husbandry which raises domesticated
2015). Salmonella choleraesuis is host birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys and
restricted to pigs, Salmonella ser. geese to produce meat or eggs for food. It
abortusovis is involved in sheep abortions has originated from the agricultural era.
and Salmonella dublin infects bovines [11]. Poultry – mostly chickens – are farmed in
There are a number of non-host-specific great numbers. More than 60 billion
serotypes that may infect several animal chickens are killed for consumption
species, including humans, and these are annually [13]. Chickens raised for eggs are
generally responsible for foodborne known as layers, while chickens raised for
diseases with foods of animal origin being meat are called broilers.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Study Area
The study was conducted among
farmers in Owerri, Imo state.
Study Population
The study subjects consisted of apparently study. The subjects consisted of forty-five
healthy male and female poultry farmers males and forty-five female poultry
in Owerri, Imo State. A total of forty-three farmers.
(43) poultry farmers were recruited for the
Selection Criteria
a. Inclusion criteria

a) Subjects who gave consent to b) Subjects who were aged 18 years and
participate in the study. above.
b. Exclusion criteria
a) Subjects who did give consent to b) Subjects who were aged below 18 years
participate in the study. and above 50 years.
Sample Collection
Stool sample was collected in a plain
sterile container.
Microbiological Method
The presence of salmonella infection was
detected using the culture method.
Procedure
The stool sample was inoculated onto The different Salmonella species was
selenite broth, SSA and KIA incubated at identified using a combination of colonial
37 °C for 48 h. It was subjected to Gram- appearance, serology (agglutination with
stained suspected Salmonella colonies. specific antisera) and biochemical testing.
Statistical Analysis
Data generated was expressed in
percentage and presented in tables.
RESULTS
A total of forty-three (43) poultry farmers numbers of poultry farmers that showed
were recruited for the study of which a the presence of salmonella infection when
total of 25(58.14%) poultry farmers has compared to the number of poultry farmer
Salmonella enterica. There was a without salmonella infection.
significant difference between the

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Table 1: Prevalence of Salmonella Infection among Poultry Farmers

No of Screened No of Poultry Farmers Percentage (%) X2 P-value
With Salmonella Infection
43 25 58.14% 12.01 0.017

The age distribution of salmonella Marital status distribution showed that

infection among poultry farmers showed married poultry farmers have the highest
that the age group >43 has the highest prevalence of salmonella infection
prevalence of salmonella infection 15(34.88%) when compared to that of
10(23.26%) while the age group 31-43 has single individuals 10(23.26%).
the least prevalence of salmonella On the level of education, poultry farmers
infection 7(16.28%). with primary education have the highest
The sex prevalence of salmonella infection prevalence of salmonella infection
showed that females have the highest 13(30.23%) while poultry farmers with
prevalence of salmonella infection tertiary education have the least
16(37.21%), while the males have the least prevalence of salmonella infection
prevalence of salmonella infection 4(9.30%).
9(20.93%).
Table 2: Demographic Characteristics Relative to the Prevalence of Salmonella Infection
among Poultry Farmers
Variable Category No of No of Poultry Percentage (%)
Poultry Farmers
Farmers With Salmonella
Screened Infection
Age (years) 18-30 12 8 18.60%
31-43 13 7 16.28%
>43 18 10 23.26%
Total 43 25 58.14%
Sex Male 23 9 20.93%
Female 20 16 37.21%
Total 43 25 58.14%

Marital Status Single 20 10 23.26%

Married 23 15 34.88%

Total 43 25 58.14%
Level of Education Primary 16 13 30.23%
Secondary 14 8 18.60%
Tertiary 13 4 9.30%
Total 43 25 58.14%

Based on the assessment on the knowledge transmission of salmonella infection,

of the risk factors associated with the 30.23% of the poultry farmers reported

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contaminated food and water, 23.26% 18.60% reported cross-contamination as
reported exposure to infected animals, the risk factors associated with salmonella
27.91% reported not washing hands while infection transmission.
Table 3: Assessment of the Poultry Farmers Response on the Knowledge of the Risk
Factors Associated with the Transmission of Salmonella Infection

Variable Responses Frequency Percentage

Risk Factors Contaminated food 13 30.23%
and water
Exposure to infected 10 23.26%
animals
Not washing hands 12 27.91%
Cross-contamination 8 18.60%

Base on the assessment of the level of poultry and poultry products. 46.51% of
knowledge, 55.81% reported that the respondent reported that eating
salmonella is caused by bacteria, 69.77 undercooked raw eggs is a major source of
reported that salmonella can cause severe transmission of salmonella, while 20.93%
disease in poultry birds, 58.14% reported reported that handling of chicken and not
that salmonella can cause severe disease in washing hands is a source of transmission,
human, 27.91% is of the suggestion that 6.98% of the respondents reported contact
salmonella is only found in poultry and with eggs as a source of transmission of
poultry products, while 62.79% reported salmonella infection.
that salmonella is not only found in
Table 4: Assessment of Poultry Farmers Responses on their Level of Knowledge on
Salmonella Infection
Survey Question Frequency Percentage
Salmonella is a
Bacteria 24 55.81%
Virus 9 20.93%
Don’t Know 10 23.26%
Salmonella can cause severe
disease in poultry bird
Yes
No 30 69.77%
Don’t Know 8 18.60%
5 11.63%
Salmonella can cause severe
disease in human
Yes 25 58.14%
No 8 18.60%
Don’t Know 10 23.26%
Salmonella is only food in poultry
and poultry products
Yes
No 12 27.91%
Don’t Know 27 62.79%
4 9.30%
Salmonella can be transmitted by
Eating undercooked raw egg
Handling Chickens 20 46.51%
Not washing hands
Contact with eggs 9 20.93%
11 25.58%
3 6.98%

In the assessment of poultry farmers farmers reported that they always wash
attitude towards the Preventive measures their hands, 39.53% reported that they
taken to prevent the transmission of rarely clean the cages at least thrice a
salmonella infection, 79.07% of poultry week, 65.11% reported that they have

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never eaten raw egg, 46.52% reported that that they have never snuggle or kiss baby
they wear face mask when cleaning the chick.
poultry birds coop while 74.42% reported
Table 5: Assessment of Poultry Farmers Attitude towards the Prevention of Salmonella
Infection
Preventive Always Rarely Never
Measures
Washing of Hands 34(79.07%) 5 (11.63%) 4 (9.30%)
after touching
poultry birds
Cleaning of the 17 (39.53%) 20 (46.51%) 6 (13.95%)
cages at least thrice
a week
Eating of raw 8 (18.60%) 7 (16.28%) 28 (65.11%)
undercooked eggs
Wearing of face 12 (27.91%) 11 (25.58%) 20 (46.52%)
mask when cleaning
the poultry birds
coop cleaning
Snuggle or kiss baby
chicks 7 (16.28%) 4 (9.30%) 32 (74.42%)

On the assessment of the safety practice 90.69% reported that they do not wear hair
method adopted by poultry farmers, apron, 97.67 reported that they do not
69.77% reported that they do not wear wear hair restraint while 72.09% reported
gloves when handling chickens, 72.09% that they do not cut their finger nails.
reported that they do not wear face masks,
Table 6: Assessment of the Safety Practice Methods Adopted by the Poultry Farmers
Good Safety Practice Yes No
Wearing of Gloves 13 (30.23%) 30 (69.77%)
Wearing of Face Mask 12 (27.91%) 31 (72.09%)
Wearing of Apron 4 (9.30%) 39 (90.69%)
Wearing of Hair Restraint 1 (2.33%) 42 (97.67%)
Cutting of Finger Nails at 12 (27.91%) 31 (72.09%)
all time

DISCUSSION
Outbreaks of communicable diseases such study carried out by Andoh et al. [15] who
as typhoid fever significantly contribute to reported a prevalence rate of 51.2% in a
increased morbidity and mortality during cross-sectional study on the prevalence of
situations of mass population salmonella infection among poultry
displacement. There had been several farmers in Ghana. The prevalence rate
reports on the high prevalence of recorded in this study is high when
salmonella infection among poultry compared with the study carried out in
farmers in Nigeria [14]. In the present Ethiopia, where the prevalence of
study, the prevalence of salmonella salmonella infection among poultry
infection among poultry farmers is 58.14%. farmers is 6.5% [16]. The high prevalence
Nevertheless, the high prevalence rate can be attributed to the poor level of
found in this study is in agreement with knowledge of transmission and safety
the primitive level of the infrastructure among poultry farmers, frequent
and bio-security measures observed on movement of people and lack of
some of the farms involved in the study. enforcement of monitoring programmes
The result of this study conforms with the which in turn might serve as a source of

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infection to consumers of poultry high prevalence in married farmers as
products. The poor knowledge of recorded in this study might be as a result
transmission and control and prevention of the busy schedule and responsibilities
of Salmonella infection is in agreement associated with been married which might
with other studies as the main reason halt the safety practice measures which is
behind the high prevalence of salmonella needed to be carried out to prevent the
infection. contraction of salmonella. This result
In the present study, the age distribution agrees with confirmed studies conducted
of salmonella infection among poultry in Bangladesh, Nigeria, Tanzania,
farmers showed that the age group >43 has Cameroon, South Africa and South Sudan
the highest prevalence of salmonella [19].
infection 10(23.26%) while the age group In the present study, poultry farmers with
31-43 years has the least prevalence of primary education have the highest
salmonella infection 7(16.28%). Good prevalence of salmonella infection
knowledge of food safety and hygiene 13(30.23%) while poultry farmers with
practiced among the age group 31-43years tertiary education have the least
of age might be the reason behind the high prevalence of salmonella infection
prevalence of salmonella infection 4(9.30%). The result of this study clearly
recorded in this study. Poor knowledge on implies that higher education plays an
the safety practice of poultry farming important role in the prevention of the
might be attributed to the high prevalence transmission of salmonella infection.
rate recorded among the age group >43 These findings are consistent with a study
years. Though the study carried out by carried out by Anuradha et al. [20] who
Mamman et al. [17] revealed that younger reported that high level of education
poultry farmers have the highest influenced the attitudes of towards the
prevalence of salmonella infection. prevention of salmonella infection among
Environmental condition, cultural poultry farmers.
practices, regulations and education could The result of the present study showed
be considered as some of the factors that the poultry famers in Owerri have a
behind the disparity in results. moderate positive attitude towards the
It was observed from the current study prevention and salmonella infection and a
that the sex prevalence of salmonella poor safety practice method which must
infection showed that females have the have also contributed to the high
highest prevalence of salmonella infection prevalence of salmonella infection in
16(37.21%), while the males have the least Owerri, Imo state, though there is no
prevalence of salmonella infection similar study carried out in Owerri, Imo
9(20.93%). Gender being a predictor state to falsify or confirm the result of this
of Salmonella infection could be because factors, cause factors ranging from
women usually keep long nails in the name cultural practices, geographical location
of fashion or manicure, and this could can affect the result. However, the findings
serve as a potential disease reservoir. in this study were in contrast with those of
These observations have been supported similar studies in Ghana and Pakistan,
by several other studies [18]. which reported good knowledge, attitudes
From the result it was observed that and practices towards typhoid fever in the
married poultry farmers have the highest surveyed communities [21].
prevalence of salmonella infection, the
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of salmonella infection females, married and poultry farmers with
among poultry farmers in Owerri, Imo poor education. This study confirms that
State is high when compared with reports poultry farmers in Owerri have poor
from other studies. The age group >43 knowledge and practice but moderate
years has the highest prevalence of attitude on salmonella infection
salmonella infection, while the prevalence prevention.
of salmonella infection is high among

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Helen Ifeoma Udujih, Faith C. Alinachukwu, Chimezie Christian Iwuala and Emmanuel
Ifeanyi Obeagu (2023). Prevalence of Salmonella in Poultry Farmers in Owerri, Imo
State, Nigeria. IAA Journal of Biological Sciences, 10(2):28-35.

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