Isolation of Aerococcus viridans from an outbreak of hepatitis in a broiler flock in Grenada

Five week-old broiler chickens from an outbreak of bacterial hepatitis on a poultry farm in Grenada were examined. The predominant gross lesions included multiple pinpoint light yellow foci in the liver, moderate splenomegaly, and ulcerative pododermatitis. The hepatic lesions were characterised by multifocal necrotising hepatitis with intralesional bacterial colonies. Culture of the liver lesions yielded a heavy growth of Aerococcus viridans and a moderate growth of Escherichia coli. The A. viridans isolates showed typical biochemical properties, susceptibility to vancomycin, and moderate resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics. It appears that dual infection with A. viridans and E. coli caused hepatitis in these chickens which had earlier history of coccidiosis.

Isolation of Aerococcus viridans from an outbreak of hepatitis in a broiler flock in Grenada

Five week-old broiler chickens from an outbreak of bacterial hepatitis on a poultry farm in Grenada were examined. The predominant gross lesions included multiple pinpoint light yellow foci in the liver, moderate splenomegaly, and ulcerative pododermatitis. The hepatic lesions were characterised by multifocal necrotising hepatitis with intralesional bacterial colonies. Culture of the liver lesions yielded a heavy growth of Aerococcus viridans and a moderate growth of Escherichia coli. The A. viridans isolates showed typical biochemical properties, susceptibility to vancomycin, and moderate resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics. It appears that dual infection with A. viridans and E. coli caused hepatitis in these chickens which had earlier history of coccidiosis.

MEDCARIB Evaluation of performance indices for broiler raised in conventional versus tunnel-ventilated houses and the cost effectiveness of the two types of housing in Barbados.

Retrospective data from 18 tunnel-ventilated and 41 conventional houses in Barbados were evaluated in order to compare the effects of the two types of housing using the following indices: feed conversion ratio at 1500 grammes (FCR 1500), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and net income per bird (NIPB). The data were obtained from the records of 200 and 282 grow-outs for tunnel-ventilated and conventional houses, respectively. The effects of season of placement and month of placement on the above performance variables were also evaluated. The analyses revealed that the performance variables NIPB, EPEF, and FCR 1500 were superior for tunnel -ventilated housing (P=0.02, 0.0001 respectively); were less variable from month to month for tunnel- ventilated housing; and except for NIPB, were better when birds were placed during the dry season (P=0.08, 0.0005 and 0.007 respectively). Financial anlaysis also showed that tunnel -ventilated house was more profitable venture than the conventional house. The net profit margin (15.38vs 3.59%) net profit per kg, (0.51 vs 0.12 BDS$, (BDS$1.00~ US $0.50)), and net profit per m squared (94.83vs13.13BDS$) were also higher for the tunnel-ventilated house.

Enterobacteriaceae from chicken ceca in Grenada and susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolates to fluoroquinolones.

Ceca from two hundred and seven chickens in Grenada were examined by culture for the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to fluoroquinolone drugs, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin, employing the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay. Of a total of 203 isolates od E. coli, 199 isolates including a non lactose fermenting strain were susceptible to both drugs. The four fluoroquinolones-resistant isolates showed multiple resistance, with one strain being resistant to six additional drugs: amplicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, streptomycin, and tetracycline. The lone Salmonella isolate was susceptible to both fluoroquinolone drugs.

Evaluation of performance indices for broilers raised in conventional versus tunnel-ventilated houses and the cost-effectiveness of the two types of housing in Barbados

Retrospective data from 18 tunnel-ventilated and 41 conventional houses in Barbados were evaluated in order to compare the effects of the two types of housing using the following indices: feed conversion ratio at 1500 grammes (FCR1500), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and net income per bird (NIPB). The data obtained were from the records of 200 and 282 grow-outs for tunnel-ventilated and conventional houses respectively. The effects of season of placement and month of placement on the above performance variables were also evaluated. The analyses revealed that the performance variables NIPB, EPEF and FCR1500 were superior for tunnel-ventilated housing (P=0.02, 0.0001 and 0.0001, respectively); were less variable from month to month for tunnel-ventilated housing; and except for NIPB, were better when birds were placed during the dry season (P=0.08, 0.0005 and 0.007, respectively). Financial analysis also showed that the tunnel-ventilated house was a more profitable venture than the conventional house. The benefit:cost ratios were 1.18 for the tunnel-ventilated house and 1.04 for the conventional house. The net profit margin (15.38 vs 3.59 percent), net profit per kilogram, (0.51 vs 0.12 BDS $, (BDS $1.00 ~ US $0.50), and net profit per m2 (94.83 vs 13.13 BDS $) were also higher for the tunnel-ventilated house.

MEDCARIB Evaluation of performance indices for broiler raised in conventional versus tunnel-ventilated houses and the cost effectiveness of the two types of housing in Barbados.

Retrospective data from 18 tunnel-ventilated and 41 conventional houses in Barbados were evaluated in order to compare the effects of the two types of housing using the following indices: feed conversion ratio at 1500 grammes (FCR 1500), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and net income per bird (NIPB). The data were obtained from the records of 200 and 282 grow-outs for tunnel-ventilated and conventional houses, respectively. The effects of season of placement and month of placement on the above performance variables were also evaluated. The analyses revealed that the performance variables NIPB, EPEF, and FCR 1500 were superior for tunnel -ventilated housing (P=0.02, 0.0001 respectively); were less variable from month to month for tunnel- ventilated housing; and except for NIPB, were better when birds were placed during the dry season (P=0.08, 0.0005 and 0.007 respectively). Financial anlaysis also showed that tunnel -ventilated house was more profitable venture than the conventional house. The net profit margin (15.38vs 3.59%) net profit per kg, (0.51 vs 0.12 BDS$, (BDS$1.00~ US $0.50)), and net profit per m squared (94.83vs13.13BDS$) were also higher for the tunnel-ventilated house.

Enterobacteriaceae from chicken ceca in Grenada and susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolates to fluoroquinolones.

Ceca from two hundred and seven chickens in Grenada were examined by culture for the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to fluoroquinolone drugs, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin, employing the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay. Of a total of 203 isolates od E. coli, 199 isolates including a non lactose fermenting strain were susceptible to both drugs. The four fluoroquinolones-resistant isolates showed multiple resistance, with one strain being resistant to six additional drugs: amplicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, streptomycin, and tetracycline. The lone Salmonella isolate was susceptible to both fluoroquinolone drugs.

Occurrence of selected foodborne pathogens on poultry and poultry giblets from small retail processing operations in Trinidad

We conducted a study to determine quantitatively and qualitatively the presence of Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, staphylococci, total coliforms, total aerobic bacteria, and Salmonella on broiler carcasses from selected small retail processors in Trinidad. We used standard media and procedures for detection and quantification. All carcass and weep samples were positive for aerobic bacteria, E. coli, total coliforms, and staphylococci. Significant differences in the mean counts of aerobic bacteria were observed for samples of carcass (P = 0.001), weep (P = 0.038), and liver and heart (P = 0.017). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of E. coli and Campylobacter for liver and heart samples and gizzard samples across various areas (health divisions) in Trinidad and for Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli for offal samples. The prevalence of Salmonella in carcass, drip, gizzard, and liver and heart samples was 7.3, 3.1, 2.1, and 1.0%, respectively, and three serotypes, Salmonella Kiambu (53.8%), Salmonella Kentucky (38.5%), and Salmonella Mbandaka (7.7%) were isolated. Of the six groups of microbes considered with respect to sale activity, the differences in the prevalence of Campylobacter in medium-activity sale shops (95.8%) and low-activity sale shops (83.3%) and the mean counts of staphylococci for medium-activity sale shops (5.5 ñ 0.9) and low-activity sale shops (5.1 ñ 0.8) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Carcasses rinsed in a stagnant system had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) prevalence (92.3%) and mean count per milliliter (3.1 ñ 0.7) for Campylobacter compared with 77.8% and 2.7 ñ 0.7 for shops that rinsed with constantly running water. The frequency of rinse water change significantly (P = 0.04) affected the prevalence of Salmonella on carcasses. It is recommended that a quality control system be introduced for these shops, particularly with respect to evisceration and rinsing practices.

Frequency and antimicrobial resistance of enteric bacteria with spoilage potential isolated from table eggs

The prevalence of potential spoilage microorganisms on the shells and in the egg contents of table eggs sold in Trinidad was determined. Table eggs samples were obtained from 23 poultry layer farms, 14 shopping malls and 102 supermarkets across the country. Each farm was visited twice approximately one month apart and 25 pooled eggs constituted a composite sample. Shopping malls were each visited twice usually one month apart while supermarkets were each visited once over a 4-month period. For both mall and supermarkets, six pooled eggs constituted a composite sample. Swabs of egg shells and pooled yolk and albumen (egg content) were tested for selected bacteria using standard methods. The resistance of bacteria to seven antimicrobial agents was detected using the disc diffusion method. Of a total of 184 composite eggs (shells, yolk/albumen or both) sampled, 71 (38.6 per cent) samples were positive for enteric microbes, other than E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter spp. and Listeria spp. Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp. were isolated from 15 (8.2 per cent) and 14 (7.6 per cent), respectively, of pooled egg shells alone and from 6 (3.3 per cent) and 3 (1.6 per cent), respectively, of egg content samples alone. Prevalence of enteric bacteria in egg contents was generally higher than found on egg shells with faeces/blood or cracks compared with those without, but the differences were not significant (P > 0.05; X2). The microbial load of egg content was not significantly affected by type of housing of laying birds, source of feeds, use of medicated feeds and temperatures at which eggs were kept at sale outlets. Of a total of 131 bacterial isolates tested, 125 (95.4 per cent) exhibited resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents and resistance was high to streptomycin (90.1 per cent), tetracycline (51.9 per cent) and kanamycin (30.5 per cent).

Prevalence of antimicrobial residues in table eggs in Trinidad

The prevalence of antimicrobial residues in pooled table eggs from layer farms, shopping malls, and supermarkets in Trinidad was determined. A total of 23 layer farms and 14 shopping malls were sampled twice, 1 month apart, whereas 102 supermarkets were each sampled once. For each farm, 25 eggs were randomly collected and pooled to constitute a composite sample, whereas six eggs from each farm source available at sale outlets were randomly sampled from malls and supermarkets to constitute a composite sample. Questionnaires were administered at the farms to determine the occurrence of risk factors for contamination of antimicrobial residues in eggs and at sale outlets to determine storage conditions. The Charm II test was used to qualitatively detect antimicrobial residues (-lactams, macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines). Of 46 composite eggs tested from farms, 3 (6.5%) were contaminated with residues compared with 5 (16.1%) of 31 and 16 (15.0%) of 107 mall and supermarket eggs, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The residues detected were as follows: sulfonamides, 12 (6.5%) of 184; macrolides, 7 (3.8%) of 184; tetracycline, 5 (2.7%) of 184; and -lactam, 0 (0.0%) of 184. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The use of medicated feeds on farm, claim of adherence to the antimicrobial withdrawal period, and temperature of egg storage did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the prevalence of residues in eggs. It was concluded that the presence of antimicrobial residues, particularly sulfonamides, in table eggs could be of public health significance to the consumer

Microbial health risk posed by table eggs in Trinidad

A survey of the microbial quality of table eggs sold in Trinidad was conducted. For 23 poultry layer farms each visited twice approximately 1 month apart, 25 pooled eggs constituted a composite sample, for 14 shopping malls each visited twice approximately 1 month apart, six pooled eggs made a composite sample and for a total of 102 other retailers across the country each visited once over a 4-month period, six pooled eggs constituted a composite sample. Swabs of egg shells and egg content were tested for selected bacteria. Twenty-four (13·0 per cent), 68 (37·0 per cent), and two (1·1 per cent) of a total of 184 composite eggs (shells, egg content or both) sampled were positive for Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter respectively. All 184 samples tested were negative for Listeria spp. Salmonella was recovered from seven (3·8 per cent) egg shell samples only compared with 14 (7·6 per cent) egg content samples only positive for the pathogen. Fifty-two (28·3 per cent) egg shell samples and seven (3·8 per cent) egg content samples were positive for E. coli. Both isolates of Campylobacter coli originated from egg contents. Of a total of 24 composite egg samples positive for Salmonella, eight different serotypes of Salmonella were isolated from a total of 24 Salmonella-positive composite eggs of which S. Enteritidis was the most prevalent, 58·3 per cent (14/24). Salmonella Georgia was isolated for the first time in Trinidad. Failure to properly handle or heat table eggs sold in Trinidad poses a potential health hazard to consumers because of their poor microbial quality.

A practical approach to the post-mortem examination of eggs, embryos and chicks

The failure of eggs to hatch, or of young chicks to survive, is a frequent and important problem when birds are bred in captivity. Under such circumstances, the examination of eggs, embryos and 'neonates' can provide useful information. Investigative techniques that work well for poultry can be adapted to the study of samples from non-domestic birds. Meticulous dissection of specimens and cautious interpretation are essential (AU)

Observation on ethnoveterinary medicines in Trinidad and Tobago

In 1995 research conducted in Trinidad and Tobago with the aim of collecting knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicines in order to lay a foundation for further scientific study and validation. This paper describes only the ethnoveterinary practices used in the poultry sub-sector. A four stage process was used to conduct the research and document these ethnoveterinary practices. 28 ethnoveterinary respondents were identified using a modified Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) technique, the student essay method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with these respondents as well as with 30 veterinarians, 27 extension officers and 19 animal health assistants/agricultural officers, and the 7 key respondents that they identified. 5 participatory workshops were then held with 55 of the repondents interviewed to discuss the data generated from the interviews and to determine dosages for some of the plants mentioned. 12 plant species were used to treat 4 categories of health problems common to poultry production. Aloe vera, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Citrus sp. and Momordica charantia were the main medicinal plants being used(AU)

Microbial assessment of poultry processed in Jamaica

Microbial assessment of a chicken processing plant in Jamaica was conducted with a view of documenting existing conditions and determining their effect on the finished products. Despite the disadvantages of low chlorination levels, water restrictions and warm climate, chicken produced was safe for public consumption. Spoilage flora and shelf life were similar to those reported for developed countries. However, modifications to processing procedures were required to ensure a high quality product (Summary)

A sero-epidemiological survey of leptospirosis among Jamaican human and animal populations

To date, relatively little research on leptospirosis has been undertaken in Jamaica and the Caribbean as a whole. This is despite the apparent role of this disease as a zoonosis. The major objective of this survey was that of determining the current status of leptospirosis in the Jamaican human, livestock and sylvatic populations through a sero-epidemiological approach. Sera for this survey were randomly selected from the ongoing National Brucelosis Control Programme serum banks at the Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory at Hope, in addition to sera collected island-wide on special field trips. Leptospiral titres were determined by the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), the standard reference procedure as described by Galton et al and modified by Cole et al. All sera were tested against the following live leptopiral antigens: abramis, autumnalis, canicola, ictero-haemorrhagiae, hardjo, grippotyphhosa, jules, pomona, portland-vere, monymusk, bog-vere and pyrogenes. A presumptive positive reaction was based on a 1:100 dilution or greater to any of the test antigens used. Leptospiral determination of the approximately 12,000 sera used indicated high seroprevalence rates for all species studied. Seroprevalence rates were being reported in poultry for the first time in Jamaica. The most frequent presumptive infecting serovars found in this particular survey were portland-vere, canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae and jules. These prodominated in nearly all the species surveyed. The serovar jules is unique to Jamaica and its comparatively high prevalence in both the human and animal population indicates a necessity for further investigation. The highest yearly seroprevalence rate (46 percent) was recorded for 1986. There was no significant differences observed in sex-related seroprevalence rates for humans while age, geographical and occupational seroprevalence relationships were significant. The periods accounting for the highest precipitation had correspondingly the highest leptospiral seropositive rates. This study has confirmed that leptospirosis is both an endemic and enzootic condition in Jamaica and that the dimension of the problem may be greater than current information suggests. The results further indicate that serological surveys are useful tools and provide a pragmatic approach to the greater understanding of the epidemiological patterns of leptospirosis. An intensified national ongoing leptospirosis control programme along with an assessment of the economic impact of this disease on livestock production and its public health significance are urgently needed (AU)

Bacteriological aspects of a hatchery and a meat processing plant in Jamaica

In this thesis, the sanitation and bacteriological aspects of a hatchery and a meat processing plant were examined. The levels of bacterial contamination throughout the hatchery were determined. The microflora of each room of the hatchery and the effect of washing on them was examined by identification of 370 bacterial isolates before and after washing. The effectiveness of the quaternary ammonium sanitizer and other cleaning agents used for washing was examined. The microbiological quality of the hatchery's water supply was also investigated. The results indicate that washing and sanitizing did not affect the gram-negative bacteria although gram-positive bacteria were killed. Pseudomonas, Plesiomonas and Enterobacter therefore dominated the post-washing flora. The water supply of the hatchery was found to be contaminated. It is postulated that the high numbers of these bacteria may reduce the efficiency of the hatchery by causing high chick mortality and infertility due to bacterial contamination. Bacteriological conditions of a frankfurter processing operation in one of the meat processing plants were investigated. The sanitary state of the equipment, packages and workers' hands in the processing plant were examined. Bacterial levels of the meat at various stages of processing and the bacterial population in its environments were determined by identification of 350 bacterial isolates. The effect of processing on the bacterial count in frankfurters and the heat resistance of surviving bacteria after cooking were examined. The cooking/smoking operation of frankfurter production was shown to be ineffective because of poor process control. Sanitation at the plant was poor, resulting in an unsafe product which was contaminated with staphylococci and thermoduric, antibiotic-resistant enterococci. It is highly recommended that regular bacteriological checks on the sanitation programme and the finished product should be undertaken to ensure a safe and high quality product (AU)

The development of the poultry processing industry in St. Catherine with emphasis on the public health aspect

The study revealed the following:- (a) A number of processors were operating without butchers' licences. (b) There were only 20 percent of processors' chickens inspected before slaughter and 40 percent after slaughter. (c) Small processors did not use thermometers to check temperature of scalder and chiller. (d) Out of a total of 375 food handlers there were 27 without certificates. (e) There was an inadequate number of inspectors. (f) The transportation of ready-to-cook poultry meat was unsatisfactory at most of the small processing plants. (h) Pre-operational and post-operational inspections were not done. Operational inspection was done as a routine. (i) There was no moisture or quality control testing programme. Recommendations were made based on the above findings. (AU)