Salmonellosis prevalence and risk factors in chicken breeding farms in and around Arba Minch town, Gamo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Salmonellosis is one of the diseases affecting chicken breeding farms in research locations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella, its risk factors, and the distribution of antibiotic resistance in chicken breeding farms in and around Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia. Methodology: A total of 390 samples were obtained from the chicks selected using stratified random selection from the breeding farms. Each chick's rectum was sampled for cloacal swabs and fecal samples, which were later analyzed for Salmonella using microbial culture and serological methods. Drug sensitivity testing was done using disk diffusion techniques. Result: Salmonella isolates were found in 7/285 (2.45%) of fecal dropping and 14/105 (13.33%) of cloacal swabs. S. Anatum 6/21 (28.57%), S. Saintpaul 5/21 (23.8%), S. Typhimurium 4/21 (19.04%), S. Kentucky 4/21(19.04%), and S. Haifa 2/21 (9.52%) were the identified serotypes with a prevalence of 21/390 (5.38%) (95% CI = 2.2-8). According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the risk factors, the source of feed, contact with other farms, chick breed, and management were statistically significant influences on the presence of Salmonella in chicks (p < 0.05). The 8 antimicrobials tested were found to be ineffective against 90.47% of the isolates. These antimicrobials are used in both human and animal medicine. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed that risk factors such as feed source, breed, contact with other farms, and management had a significant effect on the occurrence of salmonellosis in chicks, and disease control in the study area requires special attention.