A survey of bacterial contamination in ostrich hatcheries

Embryonic death is known as one of the most critical factors in financial loss of Ostrich farms. Bacterial contamination of fertile eggs is the most common cause of this problem. The majority of bacteria that were cultured from mortalities in ostrich hatcheriesincluded the ubiquitous bacteria. Afew of these bacteria can cause inflammation in the reproductive tract and enter into eggs consequently. The aim of this research which has been done for the first time in the country was to study the status of bacterialcontamination of ostrich hatcheries. Atotal of 120 samples in a weekly manner were collected from three ostrich hatchery units during a 3 month period. After disinfection of eggs'' shells in laboratory، the eggs were opened at their air chambers area near the flame. Then، the dead embryos were dissected and samples were collected from different organs. Detection of isolates was done using standard bacteriologicaltechniques and based on their biochemical specifications. Bacterial contaminations were detected in 56 (%46. 6) out of 120 samples. More than one type of bacteria was detected in 25 (44. 6%) contaminated samples. The status of observed bacteria insamples was as follows: Pseudomonas spp. (23. 3%)، Escherichia coli (20%)، Klebsiella spp. (7. 5%)، Bacillus spp. (5. 8%)، Citrobacter spp. (5%)، Staphylococcus spp. (5%)، Proteus spp. (3. 3%)، Aeromonas spp. (0. 8%)، Enterobacter spp. (0. 8%). No bacterial contaminations were deceted in 53. 3% of 120 samples. In conclusion، it is recommended to reduce the contamination of ostrich fertile eggs sufficient attention should be paid to the sanitary conditions and managerial standards in breeder flocks during collection and preservation of fertile eggs and in hatchery facilities.