Microbial Assessment of Turkey (Meleagris ocellata L.) and Duck (Anas platyrhynchos L.) Faeces (Droppings) in Akure Metropolis

This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of bacteria and fungi in populations of turkey and duck faeces. The prevalence of bacteria and fungi in the faeces of domesticated turkey and ducks (Meleagris ocellata and Anas platyrhynchos) in the City of Akure (Nigeria) was investigated. Five different locations were sampled in Akure Metropolis in April for each of turkey and duck faeces using standard microbiological methods. The microbial load for bacteria ranged from 16.23 × 105 to 30.04 × 105 cfu/g and 12.60 × 105 to 46.01 × 105 cfu/g for turkey and duck faeces respectively while the fungal count ranged from 12.38 × 105 to 28.05 × 105 s/g and 10.60 × 105 to 34.09 × 105 s/g for turkey and duck faeces respectively. The following bacteria were isolated from turkey faeces: Azomonas agilis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Sarcina maxima, Thiocapsa lumicola, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Xanthomonas fragariae and Streptococcus spp. while Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Echerichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Lactobacillus spp., Sarcina maxima, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp and Streptococcus spp. were isolated from duck faces. Bacteria common to both turkey and duck faeces are Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Sarcina maxima, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. The fungal species isolated includes Mucor spp., Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria sp., Candida spp., Fusarium spp., Varicosporium elodea and Penicillium spp. Some of the isolated microorganisms are of major importance in the natural environment as well as food and drug production. It could be concluded that turkey and duck faeces are a potential human health hazard and that accumulation of their droppings may pose a public health risk and can cause illness.