Low Egg Production Performances Associated with Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria Among Some Nigerian Commercial Layer Flocks

Abstract

Bacteriological investigations were carried out on commercial layer flocks of 10 poultry farms in parts of Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria, in years 2005 and 2006. The layers totalling 21,450 (range 1,050 - 2,900) had records of low egg production performances. Clooacal swaps and blood from live birds, as well as liver, spleen and heart blood of dead birds were investigated for pathogenic bacteria. The isolated pathogenic bacteria include Escherichoa coli, Salmonella enterica serotype Gallinarum, Klebsiella ozane and Klebsiella aerogenes. The bacteria were resistant to multiple pf drugs. Following treatment of birds with appropriate antibiotics, egg productions increased significantly (P<0.05). Administration of antibiotics following laboratory investigations, as well as regulations to the use of antibiotics as well as other medicaments are highly necessary for the growth of the Nigerian poultry industry.