Isolation and Identification of Salmonella and Escherichia coli from Raw Goat Meat in Uyo Metropolis, Akwaibom State

Introduction: In Nigeria, abattoirs have become a source of infection and pollution, attracting domestic animals, wild carnivores and rodents due to lack of adequate slaughtering and disposal facilities. Improper processing of meat consumed by the majority of people in Nigeria is a serious public health issue.

Aims: This study was aimed at isolating, characterizing, and identifying Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli from raw goat meat in Uyo metropolis.

Study Design: Fresh goat meat samples were collected from different locations within Uyo metropolis namely; such as goat meat collected at Itam junction market (GTI), Anua junction market (GTA), Ikot Okubo junction market (GTO), Itak Uyo market (GTU), Etuk market (GTE), Ndueh Otong market (GTN) and Mbiere Ebeh market (GTM).

Results: The analysis of fresh raw goat meat in Uyo metropolis showed that the total viable count of bacterial load detected on the fresh raw goat meat samples ranged from 9.1X102cfu/g to 1.07X104cfu/g. The highest bacterial count for E. coli was obtained from raw goat meat obtained from GTA1 (3.4X103 cfu/g) followed by GTM2 (3.2X103 cfu/g). The highest bacterial count for Salmonella was obtained from raw goat meat obtained from GTO1 (1.07X104) followed by GTM 2 (1.02X104). The result showed that in addition to E. coli (100%) that was found in all goat meat samples, the most common isolated microorganisms from the fresh raw goat meat samples was Salmonella choleraesuis (38.8%) followed by Salmonella salaemae (34.4%) and Salmonella kauffmanni (9.5%) respectively.

Conclusion: This study has indicated high microbial contamination of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. in the raw goat meats sold at the selected junctions of Uyo metropolis which suggested a high level of contamination of raw goat meats use for consumed in homes within Uyo metropolis.