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Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an infectious disease of cattle, mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay and single-intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) in detecting bTB. Materials and Methods: In an earlier study, 150 positive, 83 inconclusive, and 480 negative animals from 24 cattle herds were screened using SICTT. From these groups, 125 positive, 17 inconclusive, and six negative animals were subsequently verified using the IFN-γ assay. Single-intradermal comparative tuberculin test outcomes were interpreted according to standard guidelines, whereas blood samples were collected and stimulated with purified protein derivatives. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure secreted IFN-γ. Concordant and Bayesian latent class analyses were performed to evaluate test performance. Results: Results from the IFN-γ assay revealed that 83.2%, 64.7%, and 16.67% of the animals were positive in the SICTT-positive, inconclusive, and negative animal categories, respectively. Sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) of SICTT were 83.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.4-90.1) and 95.7% (95% CI: 86.9-99.7), respectively. Sensitivity and SP for the IFN-γ assay were 78.9% (95% CI: 71.9-85.4) and 83.9% (65.9-95.9), respectively. The use of both tests in parallel increases the SE of bTB detection (~94%), compared with SICTT alone. Conclusion: Use of the IFN-γ assay with SICTT in parallel, predominantly on cattle demonstrating an inconclusive SICTT outcome, boosts bTB detection rate in low resource settings.

Background and Aim: Salmonella spp. are an important group of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify and characterize of Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler farms of Gazipur, Tangail, and Dhaka districts of Bangladesh. This study also evaluated the difference of Salmonella positivity status between two groups of farms, good practices adapted in broiler rearing at the project intervened farms, and non-project intervened traditional farms. Materials and Methods: A total of 352 samples including 128 cloacal swabs, 32 whole carcasses, 64 feed, 64 water, and 64 attendants' hand rinses were collected through convenient sampling technique from 16 poultry food safety project of Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations Bangladesh intervened farms and other 16 non-project intervened farms in the same location. Various cultural based techniques and biochemical methods were employed for the estimation of prevalence, isolation, and identification of Salmonella spp. which was further evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility test using disk diffusion methods and serogrouping by slide agglutination test was accomplished for additional characterization. Results: Among the samples, an overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 31.25% (110/352) (95% confidence interval [CI]=26.44-36.38%). However, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 24.43% (43/176) (95% CI=18.28-31.47) in project intervened farms and 38.07% (67/176) (95% CI=30.87-45.68%) in non-intervened farms. Among the 110 isolates, 31.82% (35/110) were fitted under serogroup B, and the rest of the isolates 75 (68.18%) under serogroup D. Of 110 isolates, 82.72%, 77.27%, 81.82%, and 79.09% were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, norfloxacin, and streptomycin, respectively. In addition, 81.82% and 80% isolates were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, respectively. Isolated Salmonella spp. presented moderate resistance to both amoxicillin and azithromycin. Alarmingly, 80.91% (89/110) isolates were shown to be multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp. Conclusion: The study has presented a significant variation of the prevalence of Salmonella spp. between project intervened and non-project intervened farms, and this indicates project intervened farms are comparatively safer than the non-intervened farms considering public health and food safety grounds. This research outcome also has highlighted a substantial proportion of poultry origin multidrug resistance Salmonella spp. is a potential source of public health hazards. In this regard, proper awareness creation and motivational activities on good agriculture practices in poultry rearing and maintaining good personal hygiene at the farmers' level are warranted through participatory training.

Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the outbreak situation in terms of animal, place, and time towards minimizing the risk of animal infection at the source in future and subsequent spillover in human in the endemic rural settings. Methodology: An outbreak investigation team from the Department of Livestock Services visited in each of the outbreak sites to explore the event towards strengthening the control program in the future. Meat samples of the infected slaughtered animals were collected to confirm the causal agent of the animal outbreak using polychrome methylene blue microscopic examination technique. Participatory epidemiology tool such as semi-structured interview had been used in these investigations to realize the knowledge and practices of local people/cattle keepers on anthrax control and prevention in animal and human as well. Results: All identified affected human cases had been confirmed as a history of contact with the animal carcasses or handling/processing with infected meat. The level of awareness at the community level was not satisfactory for the prevention and control of anthrax at the source and further spillover in human. The infected slaughtered animals found to be in non-vaccinated status during the outbreak investigation and uncontrolled animal movement is considered to be responsible for new outbreaks in a vaccinated zone where enforcement of veterinary legislation is inadequate. Conclusion: A comprehensive preparedness and response strategy is to be obligatory for prevention, control and respond on anthrax in Bangladesh. Maximum vaccination coverage in the animal, increase community awareness of animal and human anthrax are also demanded for transmission of anthrax from animal to human. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 397-404]

Objective: The present study was conducted in New Sandwip island (Jahajerchar) of the Meghna estuary, Noakhali to explore animal species are being reared, their disease status, and also to finding out the constraints and opportunitities for keeping livestock in the island. Materials: Considering local knowledge as an epidemiological intelligence, the livestock species and their disease profile as well as livestock keeping problems were assessed through two focus group discussion with informants’ interview using Participatory Disease Searching (PDS) tools. The interview was conducted predominantly using semi-structured questionnaire (SSI) and other participatory epidemiology(PE) tools such as simple ranking (SR), pair-wise ranking (PWR), proportional pilling (PP) and transect work (visualization) were applied with flexibility to collect information. Results: PDS tools identified sheep (69%) is the main livestock species followed by cattle (16%) and buffalo (15%) in the island. The Peste des Petits Ruminant (PPR) in sheep (90%), anthrax in cattle (52%) and Haemorrgic Septicemia (HS) in buffalo (59%) were confirmed as top important species-wise diseases via the study. This place is prospect for sheep and buffalo raising rather than cattle. Lack of of shelter (Khella) for keeping livestock during adverse climatic condition, no access of portable water along with inadequate veterinary health care facilities were recognized as constraints for livestock raising in this island. Conclusion: This place is potential for sheep and buffalo raising rather than cattle. The study has validated the significance of accepting participatory disease searching tool in order to capture voluntarily submitted epidemiological data towards establishing a cost effective, unique national disease surveillance system in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(3.000): 267-273]

Abstract Background A retrospective observational study was conducted to identify fascioliasis hotspots, clusters, potential risk factors and to map fascioliasis risk in domestic ruminants in Bangladesh. Cases of fascioliasis in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats from all districts in Bangladesh between 2011 and 2013 were identified via secondary surveillance data from the Department of Livestock Services’ Epidemiology Unit. From each case report, date of report, species affected and district data were extracted. The total number of domestic ruminants in each district was used to calculate fascioliasis cases per ten thousand animals at risk per district, and this was used for cluster and hotspot analysis. Clustering was assessed with Moran’s spatial autocorrelation statistic, hotspots with the local indicator of spatial association (LISA) statistic and space-time clusters with the scan statistic (Poisson model). The association between district fascioliasis prevalence and climate (temperature, precipitation), elevation, land cover and water bodies was investigated using a spatial regression model. Results A total of 1,723,971 cases of fascioliasis were reported in the three-year study period in cattle (1,164,560), goats (424,314), buffalo (88,924) and sheep (46,173). A total of nine hotspots were identified; one of these persisted in each of the three years. Only two local clusters were found. Five space-time clusters located within 22 districts were also identified. Annual risk maps of fascioliasis cases correlated with the hotspots and clusters detected. Cultivated and managed (P

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected districts of Bangladesh to estimate prevalence, risk factors, and molecular detection of Campylobacter isolates from 540 farmed cattle of 90 herds. As an individual sample, 540 feces, and as a pooled sample, 180 milk samples, 90 feed samples, 90 water samples, 90 manure samples, and 90 animal attendants’ hand-rinse water were collected and tested via culture, biochemical, and molecular assays. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect herd-level data on risk factors with the herd owners. The herd-level data on risk factors were analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses, and a p-value Campylobacter was enumerated to be 53.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.5–63.9%). The feces sample was found to be a high level of contamination of 30.9% (95% CI: 27–35%) followed by the manure swab (pooled) at 15.6% (95% CI: 8.8–24.7%). Campylobacter jejuni was documented as an abundant species (12.6%), followed by Campylobacter coli (5.1%), and Campylobacter fetus (0.3%). Older farms (>5 years of age), no/minimum cleaning and disinfection practices, along with animal roaming outside of the farm, were documented as significant risk factors for farm-level Campylobacter occurrence. Evidence-based control measures need to be taken through stringent biosecurity and hygienic measurement to lessen the load of the Campylobacter pathogen in the farm environment and prevent further transmission to animals and humans.

Poultry origin Campylobacter is considered as one of the leading causal agents of human foodborne illness. This study was conducted to estimate the occurrence, molecular identification, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Campylobacter species from the broiler farms in Bangladesh. Samples (352) were collected from 32 farms and comprised of 128 cloacal swab, 64 feed, 64 drinking water, 64 attendants’ hand rinsed water, and 32 whole carcasses. All samples were tested for the presence of Campylobacter via cultural, biochemical, and PCR. The AMR was determined via the disc diffusion method. An overall occurrence of Campylobacter spp. was estimated as 26.4%. The level of Campylobacter contamination was found to be higher in conventional farms (36.4%) than the good practice farms (16.5%) including all sample categories (p = 0.000). Of 93 isolates, 67.74% and 32.26% were confirmed as C. jejuni and C. coli respectively, of which 34.92% C. jejuni, and 30% C. coli were shown to be multidrug-resistant. A significant occurrence of Campylobacter contamination in broiler farms with multidrug resistant patterns might be cogitated as serious food safety and public health concern linking to poultry food chain. A risk reduction approach through good farming practices targeting the prudent use of antimicrobials for broiler production is thus necessitated.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is highly endemic in Bangladesh. Using passive surveillance data (case records from all 64 districts of Bangladesh, 2014–2017) and district domestic ruminant population estimates, we calculated FMD cumulative incidence per 10,000 animals at risk per district, conducted cluster (Moran’s spatial autocorrelation and scan statistics) and hotspot analysis (local indicator of spatial association statistic), created predictive maps and identified risk factors using a geographically weighted regression model. A total of 548,817 FMD cases in cattle and buffalo were reported during the four-year study period. The highest proportion (31.5%) of cases were reported during the post-monsoon season, and from Chattogram (29.2%) division. Five space-time clusters, 9 local clusters, and 14 hotspots were identified. Overall, higher cumulative incidences of FMD were consistently predicted in eastern parts of Bangladesh. The precipitation in the pre-monsoon season (p = 0.0008) was positively associated with FMD in Bangladesh. Results suggest climate plays an important role in the epidemiology of FMD in Bangladesh, and high risk zones exist. In a resource limited-setting, hotspots and clusters should be prioritized for vaccination coverage, and surveillance for FMD should be targeted in eastern areas of Bangladesh and during the post-monsoon season.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been a public health threat in Bangladesh since the first reported outbreak in poultry in 2007. The country has undertaken numerous efforts to detect, track, and combat avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The predominant genotype of the H5N1 viruses is clade 2.3.2.1a. The persistent changing of clades of the circulating H5N1 strains suggests probable mutations that might have been occurring over time. Surveillance has provided evidence that the virus has persistently prevailed in all sectors and caused discontinuous infections. The presence of AIV in live bird markets has been detected persistently. Weak biosecurity in the poultry sector is linked with resource limitation, low risk perception, and short-term sporadic interventions. Controlling avian influenza necessitates a concerted multi-sector ‘One Health’ approach that includes the government and key stakeholders.

Background and Aim: Campylobacter infections in sheep may be asymptomatic or cause enteritis, ileitis, infertility, and abortion. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in farming sheep and to detect risk factors, molecular patterns, and antimicrobial susceptibility status of these pathogens. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and eight fecal samples were collected from 12 flocks in the Mymensingh and Sherpur districts. Samples were tested by both basic (culture and biochemical tests) and molecular (initially 16S rRNA and later hipO gene-based polymerase chain reaction). Furthermore, the antimicrobial susceptibility status of Campylobacter jejuni was confirmed using disk diffusion. Flock- and animal-level data were captured using semi-structured interviews with farm owners under bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to confirm the risk factors for Campylobacter-positive status. Results: The prevalence of C. jejuni staining at the animal and flock levels was 8.82% (36/408) and 66.70% (8/12), respectively. The age of sheep was identified as an important risk factor. Up to 1 year of age, sheep were 3.78 times more likely to be infected with C. jejuni (95% confidence interval: 1.0736–13.3146, p = 0.038). Of the 36 isolates of C. jejuni, all were found to be fully susceptible (100%) to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. In this study, three antimicrobial agents, oxytetracycline, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone, were fully resistant (100%). The majority of isolates were resistant to a combination of 4–6 antimicrobial agents. Conclusion: The present study highlights the predominant maintenance of zoonotic Campylobacter species in sheep, and their burden on human health is enormous. Therefore, environmental, animal, and human health needs to be focused under a One Health lens to mitigate the occurrence of Campylobacter in farm settings and to prevent further introduction to animals and humans.

Background: In Bangladesh, the zoonotic transmission of anthrax from animals to humans poses substantial challenges for prevention and control programs, especially in resource-constrained settings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on anthrax infections in animals, humans, and the environment to enable better design of prevention and control strategies. Materials and methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines to collect data on anthrax infection in animals and humans from reports between 1980 and January 2023. We used a standardized data extraction template to collect data on study location, year, hosts, deaths and risk factors responsible for anthrax occurrences at the animal, human and environmental sectors. Subsequently, we conducted a thorough analysis of the data gathered to identify the factors responsible for anthrax occurrences and to propose updated strategies for anthrax prevention and control. Results: Of the 27 articles analyzed, 20 focused on animal or human anthrax, while seven addressed environmental contaminations. A total of 6354 cases of anthrax infection in animals were recorded, with 998 fatalities and an overall case fatality of 15.7 %. In humans, inadequate knowledge about anthrax and its transmission was a significant factor. Risk factors for human cutaneous anthrax included activities such as slaughtering diseased animals and contact with contaminated raw meat or blood. Risky practices such as disposal of animal carcasses in floodwaters or water bodies were observed in some areas, contributing to the persistence of the anthrax pathogen in the environment. Conclusions: Our study highlights the necessity of a multisectoral One Health approach to effectively control and prevent anthrax outbreaks in both animals and humans. This approach should include comprehensive vaccination programs, social and behavioral change activities, environmental management, and the establishment of surveillance systems. Implementing these recommendations will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by anthrax in low-resource settings.

Abstract Background Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus that has a negative impact on animal reproduction. The bull is considered to be a symptomless carrier that spreads the disease agent to breeding cows, causing infertility and sporadic abortion. Aim The study aims to estimate the prevalence, identify risk factors of Campylobacter fetus (C. fetus) infection and antimicrobial resistance pattern of the C. fetus isolates. Method A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Bull smegma samples (single sample from each bull) were collected from 300 bulls from four farms and tested via culture, biochemical identification and finally 16S rRNA and cdtA gene‐based molecular assays (PCR) for herd and animal‐level prevalence estimation. Herd‐ and animal‐level data on risk factors were collected from the farmers using a pretested questionnaire and analysed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models with a p value of

Abstract Background The alarming rise in multi-drug resistant (MDR) zoonotic pathogens, including Campylobacter spp., has been threatening the health sector globally. In Bangladesh, despite rapid growth in poultry sector little is known about the potential risks of zoonotic pathogens in homestead duck flocks. The aim of this study was to understand the occurrence, species diversity, and multi-drug resistance in Campylobacter spp., and identify the associated risk factors in duck farms in Bangladesh. Methods The study involved 20 duck farms at 6 sub-districts of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Monthly occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in potential sources at the farms during February-September, 2018, was detected by culture and PCR-based methods. Campylobacter isolates were examined for resistance to different antimicrobials. Risk factors, concerning climatic and environmental disposition, farm management, and anthropogenic practices, of Campylobacter infection were estimated by participatory epidemiological tools. Results Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. was detected in overall 36.90% (155/420) samples, more frequently in drinking water (60%, 30/50), followed by cloacal swab (37.50%, 75/200), egg surface swab (35%, 35/100) and soil of the duck resting places (30%, 15/50) but was not detected in feed samples (n = 20). PCR assays distinguished the majority (61.30%, 95/155) of the isolates as C. coli, while the rest (38.70%, 60/155) were C. jejuni. Notably, 41.7% (25/60) and 31.6% (30/95) strains of C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively, were observed to be MDR. The dynamics of Campylobacter spp., distinctly showing higher abundance during summer and late-monsoon, correlated significantly with temperature, humidity, and rainfall, while sunshine hours had a negative influence. Anthropogenic management-related factors, including, inadequate hygiene practices, use of untreated river water, wet duck shed, flock age (1–6 months), and unscrupulous use of antimicrobials were identified to enhance the risk of MDR Campylobacter infection. Conclusion The present study clearly demonstrates that duck farms contribute to the enhanced occurrence and spread of potentially pathogenic and MDR C. coli and C. jejuni strains and the bacterial dynamics are governed by a combined interaction of environmental and anthropogenic factors. A long-term holistic research at the environment-animal-human interface would be integral to divulge health risk reduction approaches tackling the spread of Campylobacter spp. from duck farms.

Background and Aim: Necrotic enteritis (NE) is one of the most prevalent diseases in broiler poultry caused by Clostridium perfringens connected with significant economic losses. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh to assess the prevalence of C. perfringens through toxinotyping molecular assay and confirm the risk factors for NE, including antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) status of the isolates. Materials and Methods: We included 40 small-scale commercial broiler farms randomly selected from two subdistricts of Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. As an individual sample, 240 cloacal swabs, and as a pooled sample, 40 drinking water, 40 workers' hand washing, 40 litter swab, and 40 feed samples were collected and evaluated by culture, biochemical, and molecular assays. A pretested semi-structured interview questionnaire was employed to capture flock-level data on risk factors from the farm owners. The flock-level data on risk factors were assessed through univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses with p

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bacillus-based probiotics on growth performance, intestinal histo-morphology, gut microbial population and immune response in broilers. A total of 2000 Hubbard Classic day-old chicks were randomly enrolled in four experimental groups and 4 replicates of 500 birds in each group, and reared for 35 days under a low- level of biosecurity measures. The trial groups were assigned treatment-1 (T1): basal diet(control), treatment-2 (T2): basal diet plus Bacillus licheniformis (DSM17236), treatment-3 (T3): basal diet plus Bacillus subtilis (PB6), and treatment-4 (T4) basal diet plus 4% Flavomycin. All four groups were fed with maize-soybean based prepared feeds (starter, grower and finisher). Dietary inclusion of B. licheniformis significantly improved body weight gain and lessened FCR in T2 compared to other groups (p

We assessed zoonotic tuberculosis (zTB) knowledge and prevention and control practices of 404 cattle handlers via a survey in three dairy-intensive districts of Bangladesh. Most respondents were aged 30-49 (52%) and male (95%). Almost all (99%) recognized the important public health burden of tuberculosis in Bangladesh, however, most (58%) had inadequate knowledge about zTB transmission to humans. Inappropriate practices such as: not using protective equipment (98%); smoking, drinking or eating food whilst working with cattle (69%); and sharing the same premises with animals (83%) were identified. Cattle handlers educated at secondary or higher levels were 2.82- (95% CI: 1.59-5.10) and 5.15 times (95% CI: 1.74-15.20) more likely to have adequate knowledge of control and prevention activities compared to those with no formal education. Those who had reared animals for 1-5 years were 2.67 times (95% CI: 1.44-4.91) more likely to have adequate knowledge, compared to those who reared animals for >15 years. Cattle handlers with a monthly incomes of 10,000-20,000 taka were significantly (Odds Ratio = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.92) less likely to have adequate knowledge compared to those with monthly incomes 15 years. Overall, education, duration of cattle rearing and monthly income predicted zTB knowledge and practices. There is an urgent need to educate those at high-risk of zTB transmission on issues including the handling of infected animals, and general hygiene. A One Health approach, to support the Sustainable Development Goals and the End TB strategy, appears to be the way forward.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is endemic in Bangladesh, but its spatial distribution and risk factors have not yet been reported. Using four years of national-level, passive surveillance data (2014 to 2017), in this study we aimed to identify risk factors, create PPR risk maps and describe PPR time-space clusters. We selected PPR case records—mainly based on presumptive diagnosis of small ruminants in subdistrict veterinary hospitals—and sheep and goat population data from all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Peste des Petits Ruminants cumulative incidence per 10,000 animals at risk per district was used to conduct cluster and hotspot analysis and create predictive maps for each year and all 4 years combined. The association between PPR cumulative incidence and hypothesized risk factors—including climatic variables, elevation, road length, river length, railroad length, land cover, and water bodies—was analyzed using a geographically weighted regression model. The total number of PPR cases reported during the study period was 5.2 million. We found that most PPR cases (27.6%) were reported in the monsoon season. The highest and lowest proportions of cases were reported from Rajshahi (36.1%) and Barisal divisions (2.1%), respectively. We identified five space-time clusters, 9 high–high clusters, and 9 hotspots. The predicted cumulative incidences of PPR were persistently higher in north-east, north-west, and south-east parts of Bangladesh. Road length (P = 0.03) was positively associated with PPR incidence in Bangladesh. Results suggest that movement of animals (road length) plays an important role in the epidemiology of PPR in Bangladesh. Along with restriction of animal movement, hotspots and high–high clusters should be targeted first for immunization coverage in Bangladesh and similar PPR endemic countries to achieve eradication.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241717.].

Salmonella Gallinarum is one of the most important bacterial pathogens associated with diminished egg production in poultry. The aim of this study was to understand the occurrence, molecular traits and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella Gallinarum strains isolated from small-scale commercial layer flocks with low level biosecurity standards in Bangladesh. A total of 765 samples, including cloacal swabs (535), visceral organs (50), and droppings (180), were collected from chickens of 12 layer flocks in 11 districts. Salmonella Gallinarum was isolated and characterized through culture-based method, followed by biochemical tests, sero-grouping, PCR assays, sequencing, and antibiogram. The identity of biochemically detected isolates of Salmonella Gallinarum was confirmed via genus-specific 16S rRNA gene based PCR, followed by invA and spvC genes based PCR assays. Occurrence of Salmonella Gallinarum was detected in overall 25.75% (197/765) samples, with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher incidence in visceral organs (42%) in comparison to cloacal swab (24%) and droppings (26%). Sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of invA and spvC genes in representative strains of Salmonella Gallinarum revealed a close genetic lineage, with a sequence similarity of 98.05–99.21% and 97.51–99.45%, respectively, to previously published sequences of the corresponding genes from the same serogroup strains. Remarkably, 66.5% (131/197) of the isolated strains of Salmonella Gallinarum were found to be resistant to 3 to 6 antimicrobial agents, and interpreted as multidrug resistant (MDR). The findings of this study underscore an inherent need of appropriate control measures to curb the widespread incidence of MDR Salmonella Gallinarum in small-scale commercial layer flocks, thereby, facilitating enhanced egg production and further support to the food security and safety in low resource settings.