ANTIBIOTICS SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF SALMONELLA SPECIES ISOLATED FROM POULTRY DUMPINGS

ABSTRACT Poultry production is a key contributor to food security and income generation in Nigeria; however, the industry faces growing public health concerns due to improper waste disposal and widespread misuse of antibiotics. This study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Salmonella species isolated from poultry dumpings in Zungeru, Niger State, Nigeria. A total of 30 poultry dumping samples were collected from three sites and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water was followed by selective enrichment in Selenite F and Rappaport Vassiliadis broths. Salmonella spp. were isolated on Salmonella–Shigella agar, identified by biochemical tests, and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results showed that 17 out of 30 samples (56.7%) were positive for Salmonella spp., with the highest prevalence recorded at Site A (70%). Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed a high resistance rate to commonly used antibiotics: Ampicillin (94.1%), Augmentin (88.2%), Streptomycin (82.4%), and Septrin (76.5%). Conversely, Gentamicin (17.6%), Ciprofloxacin (23.5%), and Tarivid (11.8%) showed relatively low resistance, indicating their continued efficacy. The study further identified a high occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains, posing a significant threat to both animal and human health. The findings underscore the critical need for improved antibiotic stewardship, proper poultry waste management, and integrated One Health-based surveillance strategies to curb the spread of resistant Salmonella in the environment. This study contributes valuable baseline data to guide future policies on antimicrobial resistance and food safety in Nigeria.