Prevalence of Salmonella species in live bird markets and processing environments in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Salmonella remains a major foodborne pathogen of public health importance, particularly in developing countries where poor hygiene and biosecurity practices persist along the poultry value chain. This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella species in live bird markets and processing environments in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 1,120 samples, including fecal droppings, soil, carcass rinse water, defeathering water, slaughtering table swabs, and eviscerated organs, were collected across eight markets during both dry and wet seasons. Isolation and identification were conducted using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques, of ISO 6579 and WOAH while statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Overall, Salmonella was detected in 121 samples, yielding a prevalence of 10.80%. A significantly higher prevalence was observed during the wet season (12.68%) (p < 0.05). Geographically, Plateau North recorded the highest prevalence (13.75%), whereas Plateau Central and South showed lower rates (5.50% each). Among study locations, Chobe market had the highest contamination level (17.22%), while based on sample type, slaughtering table swabs exhibited the highest contamination (22.50%), indicating critical points for cross-contamination. Lower prevalence was observed in fecal samples, particularly from indigenous birds. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between the occurrence of Salmonella and season, location, senatorial district, and sample type (p < 0.05), while no significant association was found with eviscerated organ type or bird category. The relatively high prevalence rate of Salmonella in this study suggest that slaughtering tables, carcass rinse water, fecal droppings, eviscerated organs and poor infrastructural facilities could be potential transmission routes. Therefore, data generated could be valuable for instituting intervention strategies in the control of Salmonella in Nigeria.