Prevalence and risk factors for thermophilic Campylobacter infection in poultry farms in Nsukka area of Enugu State

Abstract

Thermophilic Campylobacter organisms (TCOs) are leading cause of bacteria foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide. The organisms colonize the gastrointestinal tract of food animals, especially poultry, which are known reservoirs of the infection for transmission to humans. An epidemiological surveillance into thermophilic Campylobacter infection (TCI) in poultry was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of the infection in poultry farms in Nsukka area of Enugu State. Questionnaire survey was used to elicit information on the risk factors while isolation of TCOs from fecal samples, to determine the prevalence of the infection, was done following standard microbiological protocol. Rearing of other animals
alongside poultry, keeping birds of different ages, thinning, non-treatment of drinking water, extensive husbandry  system, and overstocking were the major risk factors facilitating TCI in poultry farms surveyed. Farm and individual prevalence for TCI were 73.3% and 19.4% respectively. Prevalence of 18.1% and 20.2% were recorded for birds sourced from urban and rural areas respectively while prevalent rates of 18.1%, 22.2% and 33.3% were recorded in broilers, layers and cockerels respectively. Only 20.8% and 18.9% prevalence were recorded for male and female birds respectively. There was no significant association (P>0.05) between isolation of TCOs and farm location, breeds or sexes of the birds. The 19.4% overall prevalence is high. Massive improvement in biosecurity practices in poultry farms in the study area is imperative to limit TCI in poultry; and hence, the risk of humans infection via the food chain.