MIRCOBIAL CONTAMINATION OF BUSH MEAT SOLD IN BURUKU L.G.A OF BENUE STATE

Bush meat contamination is a significant public health concern in Nigeria. This study investigated the bactenal and fungal contamination bushmeat in some selected markets of Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. The study was carried in the Microbiology Laboratory Benue State University. Sample was cultured on various media using the pour plate technique. The results showed that E che~ichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the predominant bacterial species, with mean bactenal counts of 1.5 ± 0.31 x lOs cfu/ml and 2.24 ± 0.60 x lOS cfulml in Buruku and Abwa Mbagen, respectively. Specifically, E. coli concentrations were 1.8 x lOs cfulml and 2.9 x lOs cfulml, while Kleb iella pneumoniae concentrations were 1.4 x lOs cfulml and 2.8 x lOs cfulml in Buruku and Abwa Mbagen, respectively. A ipergillus niger and Penicillium spp. were the most common fungal species, with A ipergillus niger being the most frequently occurring fungus (58.06%). From the results, there are few members of different species found, this reveals high level of bacterial and fungal contamination of bush meat sold in the selected markets in Buruku LGA with respect to E.coli and A. niger hence poses significant health challenge to consumers. The study highlights the need for proper handling and storage of bushmeat to prevent contaminationand reduce the risk of foodbome illnesses.