Study of microbial species composition in the production environment of livestock facilities

Introduction. Livestock facilities serve as a reservoir for microorganisms of various families and genera, including both opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. Continuous microbiological monitoring of the production environment in livestock facilities, along with the detection and identification of microorganisms, allow for the microflora control in these facilities, thereby preventing the risks of infectious diseases and ensuring timely implementation of appropriate veterinary, sanitary, and zoohygienic measures.

Objective. Study of microbial species composition in the production environment of livestock facilities including contamination level and classification  of the isolated mircoorganisms by families and disinfectant-resistant groups.

Materials and methods. Swabs from the surfaces in the production facilities for cattle (namely, dairy cow facility, calf facility, calving area, and milking hall) on the cattle farm located in the Omsk Oblast were taken for study of microbial species composition. The microorganisms were classified using ММТ Е24 и ММТ S multi-biochemical microtests and selective nutrient medium.

Results. Tests showed that the microflora circulating in cattle facilities included both pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms of the following species: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella aerogenes, Citrobacter freundii, Morganella morganii, Hafnia alvei, Klebsiella ozaenae, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus simulans, Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus lentus.

Conclusion. The recovered microorganisms belonged to the families Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae and Staphylococcaceae and to the following disinfectant-resistant groups: low-resistant, moderately-resistant and highly-resistant. The highest microbial load was detected on floor, walls and stall dividers in the facility for dairy cows and in milking hall, the detected microorganisms demonstrated high species diversity. The lowest microbial load was detected in calving area and calf facility. 

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