Bacterial contaminants and antimicrobial residues in chicken tissues and eggs : a case study of Kabanyoro Poultry Farm

Abstract

Antimicrobial residues and bacterial contaminants in poultry products are a worldwide public and animal health concern. However, data in Uganda is limited and very scanty. This was a baseline study to investigate for potential bacterial contaminants and antimicrobial residues in the broiler meats and the eggs from layers. The objectives of the study were to document the common antimicrobials in use at Kabanyoro Poultry Farm, identify the possible bacterial contaminants in chicken tissues and egg samples, identify whether the samples contain antimicrobial residues. Lastly, the drivers to antimicrobial misuse. In this study, 8 leftover birds from a sold off batch were considered for tissue collection among which included the fresh, heart, liver, spleen and the lungs, and 30 eggs collected, five per day for 6 consecutive days. An interview with the poultry supervisor was used to ascertain the commonly used antimicrobials and the possible drivers to the mis-use. Standard microbiology methods were used to analyze the samples. In-addition, a Premi® test kit was used to screen for antimicrobial residues as guide by the manufacturer. Among the commonly used medical supplies at the study farm were; Aliseryl®, Keprocil®, Anticox® and Enrosol®, multivitamins that is, glucovit® and vaccines for NCD and IBD. The identified bacterial contaminants were E. coli, Enterococci spp, and Staphylococci spp identified in the liver, heart, kidneys, lung and spleen. All samples submitted for antimicrobial residues screening were negative except the heart and the spleen of bird number 8. The use of the intern students on the establishment was identified as one of the possible caused of the injudicious use of the antimicrobials. A broad study would provide more in-depth as a follow-up of this work.