Authors : N. Amaechi and O.U. Ezeronye
Abstract: A study was conducted to identify the degree of salmonella sp. from March to November, 2003; there were 4 visits to each of 5 selected swine farms in Umuahia. Feaces and urine samples were collected from swine on longitudinal and cross-sectional groups on each visit to each farm. Environmental samples including feed, water, pen walls, pen floor, rodents and flies were collected. All sample were evaluated as salmonella positive or negative by culture. Salmonella sp. were detected in 84(18.4%) of the swine samples with the following distribution piglets (15/113, 13.3%), weaners (23/115,20.0%) fatteners (30/20, 25.0%) and adults (16/109,14.7%). The piggery environmental swabs showed that Salmonella sp. were recovered from the wall (15/97, 15.5%), feaces (25/114, 21.99) Urine (2/56,, 3.69) floor 24/100 24.0%, water trough (19/45, 20.0%), and feed trough (8/45, 17.89). The result showed age differences in the distribution of salmonella spp. in Swine that the necessity of adopting more efficient hygienic measures in the areas where swine are raised in order to reduce the role of piggery environment in the spread of salmonella.
N. Amaechi and O.U. Ezeronye , 2006. Piggery Environment as a Source of Salmonella Contamination for Swine. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 102-107.