Prevalence of Campylobacteriosis in Broiler Chickens and its Public Health Implications in Katsina State

Campylobacter species are the leading bacterial cause of foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide, and broiler chickens are the primary reservoir. This study determined the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler chickens and assessed its public health significance in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. Cloacal swabs were collected from 160 broiler chickens at slaughter from four farms across two local government areas. Samples were cultured on selective Campylobacter agar under microaerophilic conditions, and isolates were identified by biochemical characterization. A questionnaire was administered to 40 poultry processors and market vendors regarding raw poultry handling practices. Campylobacter was isolated from 41.9% of broiler cloacal swabs, with C. jejuni being the predominant species at 75.4% of all isolates. Poultry processors rarely washed hands between handling raw and cooked products, and cross-contamination risks were observed to be high. Public health authorities had not previously conducted Campylobacter surveillance in the area. The study concludes that Campylobacter carriage rates in Katsina broilers are high and that current poultry processing practices facilitate transmission to consumers. A state-level Campylobacter surveillance program, targeted food handler hygiene training, and integration of Campylobacter control into poultry production guidelines are recommended. Keywords: Campylobacter, broiler chickens, foodborne disease, poultry processing, Katsina State