Evidence of bacterial contamination at different locations of the Central Abattoir Akinyele, Oyo State

Abstract

Carcass and products derived from any abattoir are declared safe and fit for human consumption only if the maximum bacterial contamination limit is not exceeded. This study was designed to compare the level of bacterial contamination at different points of Akinyele Central Abattoir, Oyo State. Samples were collected from the drains, floors, walls, soil and water sources for microbiological analysis. The results presented varying degrees of contamination of sampled points due to identifying Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter sp., Clostridium sp., and Staphylococcus sp., all of public health importance. However, the soil had the highest total bacterial load of 6.158±0.132 ×105/cfu/ml, followed by the slaughter floor (5.008±0.176 ×105/cfu/ml) and source of water (4.650±0.109 ×105/cfu/ml). This study demonstrated that the hygiene and sanitary levels of the abattoir have been compromised. It is hereby recommended that proper hygienic and precautionary measures should be instituted and implemented at this abattoir.