Bacteriological conditions of a Jamaican chicken hatchery

The bacteriological profile of a chicken hatchery in Jamaica was examined. The bacterial numbers in each room of the hatchery and the effect of washing with disinfectant on the bacterial population were determined. A representative number of the bacterial isolates before and after washing the hatchery was identified. The results indicate that, while washing with quaternary ammonium compounds did not affect the Gram-negative bacteria, the number of Gram-positive bacteria was significantly decreased. Bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas, Plesiomonas and Enterobacter were predominant in the post-washing flora. The water used to wash the hatchery was contaminated and therefore a possible source of contamination.