Occurrence of Salmonellas in Poultry Feeds in Jordan

A study was conducted to determine the presence of Salmonellae in chicken feeds in Jordan. A total of 1546 samples collected randomly from north, middle and south regions in Jordan. The suspected samples were identified and then it was confirmed by using biochemical and serological tests. The results showed the presence of 36 (2.33%) Salmonella isolates of the total tested samples. Numbers and percentages of Salmonellae in feed were 14 (2.55%), 15 (2.38%) and 7 (1.91%) for north, middle and south regions. The rate of contamination of starter layer feed and fish meal was 2.9% and 3.5%. Out of 36 Salmonella isolates ten serotypes were found. The serotypes isolated were S. enteritidis ( 22.22% ), S. typhimurium (11.11% ), S. group C2 (8.33% ), S. group B (11.11% ), S. infentis (13.88% ), S. gallinarum (8.33% ), S. Arizona (5.55% ), S. group A (8.33% ), S. rough strain (2.77% ), other Salmonella ( 8.33 % ). Salmonella enteritidis(22.22%) was the serotype most often isolated from poultry feeds. The widespread occurrence of Salmonellae in poultry feeds reinforces the need for the implementation of effective control measures. The significance of these findings, the first to be reported in Jordan are discussed in the light of Salmonellae as an important feed borne to chickens