Common Pathogens Associated with Poultry Production in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State

1.1 Background of the study: Poultry production is a significant contributor to global food security, providing a vital source of protein; eggs and income for millions of people worldwide (Farrell, 2013). However, this industry faces challenges due to presence of various pathogens that can cause diseases in poultry (Sierżant et al., 2021). These diseases not only impact animal health and welfare but also lead to significant economic losses for farmers due to decreased productivity and mortality (Grzinic et al., 2023). Pathogens can be introduced to a poultry flock via air, pests, people, water, feed, to mention but a few. The prevalence and impact of these pathogens is largely dependent upon the quality of environment and the health and welfare of the birds. Pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp and Campylobacter spp. present a major concern for the poultry industry on a yearly basis due to their association with poultry-related foodborne illnesses. Crates use in transportation, poor environmental conditions, poor worker hygiene, and bird-to-bird pathogen transfer have all been identified as major preharvest contamination risk factors (Heyndrickx et al., 2002; Bullet al., 2006). During processing, poultry carcasses are primarily contaminated with pathogenic bacteria due to the leakage of fecal matter during major processing steps (Berrang et al., 2001). Cross-contamination has also been identified as a major risk factor during processing (Rasschaert et al., 2008). Intervention strategies are implemented at the pre harvest and postharvest levels to mitigate the risk of contamination of the poultry product by these pathogenic bacteria. Globally, there is increased demand for antibiotic-free animal products, causing consumers to move towards the organic food market (Dimitri and Oberholtzer, 2009; Reisch et al., 2013). This has impacted the poultry industry, where broiler meat harvested from alternative poultry farming production facilities, such as organic and free-range, have increased in demand (Van Loo et al., 2011; Rothrock Jr. et al., 2016). These types of operations are characterized by the lack of antibiotic use and the allowance of birds to access the outside environment. As such, birds are exposed to a less controlled environment, indicating an increased risk of microbial contamination of the birds.

Pathogens continue as a considerable threat to public health. Intensification of livestock production, especially poultry, facilitates diseases transmission by increasing population size and density (Feßler et al., 2011; Dhama et al., 2014) Studies by Timbermont et al. (2009) and Dolka et al. (2020) emphasized that poultry immunity, health and production are some of the factors that will challenge the future growth of the industry. Many foodborne and zoonotic diseases, emerging and re-emerging worldwide, are strictly linked with poultry farming. A foodborne disease outbreak is an incident during which at least two people contract the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink. Developing strategies to eliminate and control foodborne pathogens, while tackling the public health hazards linked to consuming foods with high antibiotic residues and the threat of antimicrobial resistance, remains as critical challenges for the industry.

Colibacillosis is the most common bacterial disease in poultry and it is caused by Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). It can be present among poultry of all ages. APEC is opportunistic in nature and it can grow rapidly in stress conditions. Initial exposure to APEC might occur in the hatchery from infected or contaminated eggs; however infections are commonly triggered by immunosuppressive diseases such as Infectious Bursal Disease, Mareks Disease, or Chicken Anemia. Colibacillosis is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and economic loss for all types of poultry worldwide (Ramazani et al., 2021). Another common bacterium on poultry farms is Salmonella, which is pathogenic to both poultry and humans. Although the target habitat of Salmonella is the gastrointestinal tract, it is widely present in nature and makes a major microbial hazard in animal feed, as it can persist for long periods of time. Bacteria belonging to the Salmonella genus are responsible for a variety of acute and chronic diseases in poultry. Moreover, poultry flocks infected with this pathogen are the main zoonotic reservoir which can transmit infection through the food chain to humans, thus posing a serious health problem as well. Potential symptoms of Salmonella presence in birds include drowsiness, huddling together, poor growth, chalky white diarrhea, dehydration, reduced egg production, and increased mortality, among others. Salmonella symptoms, especially at subclinical level, can go unnoticed and not recognized as caused by Salmonella bacteria, while the birds’ body is using its vital resources to fight off the bacteria instead of utilizing them for growth and productivity. This bacterium causes significant disturbances in chicken gut and it weakens overall bird health. Salmonella is the most reported cause of foodborne outbreaks in the European Union nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks in the EU in 2018 were caused by this bacterium. This is one of the main findings of the annual report on trends and sources of zoonoses published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In 2020, EU Member States reported 3 166 foodborne outbreaks affecting 22,010 people. Over 56% of the outbreaks were linked to Salmonella (Ricke, 2021; Timbermont et al., 2009).

In the United States, The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cited about 1.35 million Salmonella infection cases and approximately 420 deaths in the United States every year.

Understanding the prevalence, distribution, and characteristics of these pathogens is essential for implementing effective disease control and prevention measures in poultry production systems. Therefore, studies focusing on the isolation and characterization of common pathogens associated with poultry production are crucial for enhancing biosecurity practices, improving animal welfare, and safeguarding public health. 1.2 Statement of Problem: Limited research reports exist on how different pathogens affect the poultry production. However, poultry production faces numerous challenges, with disease outbreaks being a primary concern. Diseases not only lead to significant economic losses for poultry farmers but also pose potential threats to public health through the transmission of zoonotic pathogens. The poultry industry is susceptible to various diseases that affect both layers and broilers, resulting in reduced production, increased mortality rates, and decreased profitability for farmers. However, there is alack of comprehensive data on the prevalence and economic impact of these diseases in the local poultry population. Diseases affecting poultry can also have implications for human health, particularly if they are zoonotic in nature. The transmission of pathogens from infected birds to humans through direct contact, consumption of contaminated poultry products, or environmental exposure represents a significant public health risk. However, the specific pathogens responsible for such risks and their prevalence in the local poultry population are not well-documented.

Effective disease management strategies rely on a thorough understanding of the pathogens present in the poultry population, their modes of transmission, and their susceptibility to available treatments. However, the lack of data on the specific pathogens affecting poultry hinders the development and implementation of targeted disease control measures.

Disease outbreaks in poultry farms can often be attributed to lapses in biosecurity practices and inadequate disease control measures. Without proper identification of the pathogens involved, it is challenging for poultry farmers to implement appropriate biosecurity protocols and preventive measures to mitigate disease spread effectively.

Sustainability and Food Sustainable poultry production is essential for ensuring food security and meeting the nutritional needs of the population. However, disease outbreaks can undermine the sustainability of poultry farming enterprises, leading to food shortages, increased prices, and reduced access to affordable protein sources for consumers.

This research is essential for informing targeted intervention strategies, improving biosecurity measures, safeguarding public health, and ensuring the sustainability and economic viability of the poultry industry in the region. 1.3 Objective of the Study: The general objective of this study is to identify and characterize common pathogens associated with poultry production in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State with a view of drafting bio-security measures appropriate to farmers in this area. 1.4 Justification of the Study: The study on isolating and characterizing common pathogens associated with poultry production is significant for several reasons. Understanding the prevalence and identity of pathogens affecting poultry is crucial for safeguarding public health. Many poultry pathogens have zoonotic potential, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. By identifying these pathogens, we can implement measures to prevent human exposure and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in both animal and human populations.

Knowledge of prevalent pathogens enables the development of effective disease management and control strategies. With accurate identification, targeted treatment protocols can be implemented to mitigate disease spread and minimize economic losses for poultry farmers. Additionally, understanding the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated pathogens can guide prudent antimicrobial use practices, thereby reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Disease outbreaks in poultry farms result insignificant economic losses due to decreased productivity, increased mortality rates, and veterinary expenses. By identifying common pathogens and understanding their impact on poultry health, farmers can implement proactive measures to prevent disease transmission, reduce production losses, and enhance profitability. The study findings can inform the development and implementation of robust bio security measures tailored to the specific pathogens identified in the local poultry population. Improved bio security practices reduce the risk of disease introduction and transmission within and between poultry farms, thereby enhancing overall farm productivity and sustainability. Sustainable poultry production is essential for ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability. By identifying and managing common pathogens, farmers can reduce reliance on prophylactic antimicrobials and promote environmentally friendly farming practices. Additionally, sustainable disease management strategies contribute to the resilience of the poultry industry in the face of emerging pathogens and changing environmental conditions. Research findings on prevalent poultry pathogens can inform policy formulation and regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting public health, promoting animal welfare, and ensuring the sustainability of the poultry industry. Evidence-based policies can facilitate the adoption of best practices in disease management, bio security, and antimicrobial stewardship. The outcome of this study contributes to the advancement of disease management strategies, enhancement of bio security measures, promotion of sustainable farming practices, and formulation of evidence-based policies to support the poultry industry and protect public health.