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ABSTRACT
The presence of bacteria in slaughterhouse is of significant concern due to their potential implications for food safety and public health. Several studies have investigated the microbial composition in different sources which aid the transmission of pathogens in beef production environments. This study was aimed at determining the characterization and prevalence of bacterial isolates gotten from slaughterhouses in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of thirty (30) samples were obtained from various locations in Benin City using sterile swab sticks and samples bottles. Standard bacteriological methods were used to determine the bacterial count of the samples. The bacteria isolates were characterized using morphological, biochemical and anti-susceptibility testing using Kirby Bauer’s method. The result obtained in this study showed that the bacteria population in cattle droppings ranged from 1.49 ±1.00h X 107 to 2.50 ±2.00ijk X 107 , while for drinking water the counts ranged from 1.14 ±4.50f X 107 to 2.03 ±2.00j X 107 , the bacteria count obtained from palms of slaughterhouse workers ranged from 0.19 ±2.00a X 107 to 0.99 ±2.00d X 107 . The frequency and percentage occurrence of Streptococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli were 25(30.49), 36(43.90), 12(14.63), 3(3.66) and 6(7.32) respectively. The antibiotic result showed that pefloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the best antibiotics used against the isolates with 100% inhibition against Streptococcus sp, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The presence of bacteria in cattle droppings, slaughterhouse drinking water, and on workers' palms underscores the critical importance of stringent hygiene measures within slaughter houses.
