Evaluation of Indoor and Outdoor Fungal Flora of Two Poultry Farms in Akungba-Akoko and Ayegunle-Akoko

Abstract

Good quality of air in poultry farms is a prerequisite for healthy animals and farm workers. Air acts as a good dispersal medium for microbes and its quality is a reflection of the environment. The focus of this study is was evaluate indoor and outdoor fungal flora of two poultry farms (Akungba-Akoko and Ayegunle-Akoko) and to determine effect of some antifungal agents on all isolates. Identity of each fungus was determined by comparing the morphology and microscopic characteristics of each fungus with those in compendium of soil fungi. Air flora sampling was performed both inside and outside premises of farms, and an open-air method was used. Antifungal activity was performed using two antifungal drugs (ketoconazole and nystatin). A total of twenty-three (23) fungal species were obtained belonging to fourteen (14) genera; Aspergillus, Penicillium, Eurotium, Monascus, Alternaria, Cryptococcus, Curvularia, Chrysonilia, Microsporum, Cunninghamella, Bipolaris, Acremonium, Fusarium and Trichoderma. Genera such as Curvularia, Chrysonilia, Cunninghamella and Cryptococcus were not inhibited by antifungal drugs used across all concentrations, while nystatin inhibited 74% of these fungi using concentration of 5 mg/ml with 25 mm being highest zone of inhibition. Ketoconazole’s highest zones of inhibition were found with Alternaria tenuissima (26 mm), Trichoderma harzianum (25 mm) and Aspergillus acidus (25 mm). The study revealed presence of some toxicogenic fungi in poultry environments. Therefore, this study recommends preventive measures like provision of adequate ventilation system, regular cleaning of poultry farms, use of clean equipment, and use of antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole and nystatin (to be used at low concentration) to inhibit and control infections in poultry farms.