PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA IN BROILERS AT RETAIL OUTLETS, PROCESSING PLANTS AND FARMS IN MALAYSIA

A study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella among b roilers retailed at wet-markets and processing plants. Litter and feed samples obtained from both broiler and breeder farms were also examin ed for Salmonella. A total of 158 out of 445 (35.5%) and 52 out of 104 (50.0%) broiler carcasses obtained from wet-markets and processing pl ants were contaminated with Salmonella, respectively. Salmonella was i solated from 14 out of 98 (14.3%) samples of intestinal content. Litte r samples from broiler and breeder farms were positive for Salmonella, 8/40 (20%) and 2/10 (20%): respectively. Salmonella isolates (230) be longing to 15 different serovars were isolated. Predominant serovars w ere S. enteritidis, S. muenchen, S. kentucky and S. blockley.