Abstract

M. D. Salihu1*, A. U. Junaidu1, S. I. Oboegbulem1, G. O. Egwu3, F. M. Tambuwal2, and Y.Yakubu1

A total of 1312 rectal swabs (feacal) samples were collected from apparently healthy goats across Sokoto state and processed for Campylobacter organisms. 264 (20.1%) of the samples were positive and yielded 272 Campylobacter species. Campylobacter species isolated in this study were Campylobacter jejuni 169(62.1%), Campylobacter coli 58(21.3%), Campylobacter lari 24(8.8%), Campylobacter upsaliensis 13(4.8%) and Campylobacter sputorum 8(3.0%). Biotyping of the isolates indicated that C. jejuni biotype I (52.6%) and C. coli biotype II (82.8%) were the most common biotypes while all the C. lari isolates were biotype I. The isolation of Campylobacter organisms and the identification of C. jejuni biotype I and C. coli biotype II from goats in this study is a clear indication of the presence of Campylobacter in goats in Sokoto state. Campylobacter organisms must be considered as potential agent of enteritis and abortion in goats as well as a serious public health problem.