POTENTIAL RISK OF LITTER USED IN POULTRY FARMING IN THE DISTRICT OF ABIDJAN ON THE HEALTH OF CHICKENS

Litter is an important constituent of poultry production, which can influence animal welfare, flock health, food safety, environmental impacts and production efficiency. However, the presence of the pathogenic microorganisms in the litter constitutes a potential health risk for chickens. The purpose of this study is to highlight pathogenic strains from litter of poultry farming in Abidjan. This study was conducted in five municipalities of Abidjan District, Côte d’Ivoire. A total of 360 poultry litter samples was collected and transported to laboratory for physicochemical and microbiological analysis. Molecular identification of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)was carried out by the detection of two virulence genes,iss and iucD. Results showed litter pH and water content ranging from 8.12 to 8.65 and 14.93 to 39.16% respectively. Analysis of these samples showed presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella at 100%, and Aspergillus at 44.44%, 16.60% and 22.20% in Anyama, Bingerville and Yopougon respectively. In Songon and Port-Bouët areas, Escherichia coli was found at 100% and 95.24%, Salmonella at 71.43% and 95.24% and Aspergillus at 15.87% and 4.76% respectively. Of 48 isolates tested for APEC, 8 were positive for iss gene (16.67%) and 5 positives for iucD gene (10.42%). Of the 13 isolates tested positive, 3 (6.25%) were found to be positive for both genes. Therefore, litter would be responsible for the proliferation of potentially pathogenic germs that cause avian diseases. Litter waste could pose a pathogenic risk for the environment and animal health