DETECTION OF PROTEOLYTIC BACTERIA IN THE UPPER RESPIRATORY-TRACT FLORA OF POULTRY

Proteolytic bacteria were readily demonstrated among the upper respira tory tract nora of poultry in two chicken necks and two turkey necks. Between 20% and 50% of birds in each flock had highly proteolytic bact eria in the upper respiratory tract nora, and the amount of the bacter ial nora determined to be highly proteolytic in any given bird ranged from none to a majority. Highly proteolytic bacteria recovered include d five species of staphylococci, as well as two gram-negative bacteria l species, Flavobacterium sp. and Vibrio alginolyticus. All species of staphylococci isolated have previously been recovered from animal sou rces, whereas Flavobacterium sp, and V. alginolyticus are usually repo rted to be associated with soil and surface-water origins, The protoco ls used to screen for proteolytic bacteria among the nora and to asses s protease activity required minimal supplies and equipment.