Microbial Contamination of Bedding Material: One Health in Poultry Production

Area of Science:

• * Veterinary Microbiology and Public Health
• * Food Safety and Zoonotic Disease Surveillance

Background:

• * Poultry farm environments, particularly bedding, are implicated in pathogen development and potential zoonotic disease transmission.
• * Understanding microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance in these settings is crucial for food chain safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To analyze microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance in poultry production facilities.
• * To identify common sampling techniques and assays used in assessing contamination.
• * To propose a standardized protocol for microbial assessment in poultry environments.

Main Methods:

• * Systematic literature review following the PRISMA methodology.
• * Analysis of microbial contamination in various matrices, with a focus on bedding material.
• * Inclusion of studies on bacterial and fungal contamination, antimicrobial resistance, and mycotoxin assessment.

Main Results:

• * Bedding material showed the highest level of microbial contamination among all analyzed matrices.
• * Commonly reported bacteria included *Salmonella* sp. and *Campylobacter* sp.; dominant fungi were *Penicillium* sp. and *Aspergillus* sp.
• * Multidrug resistance in bacteria was evident, while fungal susceptibility to azoles remained unassessed; mycotoxins were detected in all bedding samples.

Conclusions:

• * Poultry bedding is a significant reservoir for microbial contamination, posing a potential zoonotic risk.
• * Further research is needed on the toxicological potential of bedding contaminants.
• * Standardized sampling and analysis protocols are essential for effective risk mitigation in poultry facilities.