Use of the Reuter Centrifugal Air Sampler to Monitor the Microbial Level in Hatcheries

Three hatcheries were surveyed using the Biotest Reuter Centrifugal (RCS) air sampler and conventional Petri-plate procedures. The RCS sampler was more sensitive in detecting fungi at low levels of contamination. Marked differences in fungal and bacterial levels were detected among the three hatcheries and were attributed to operational and decontamination procedures. Microbiological evaluation of the hatcheries showed higher bacterial and fungal levels on hatching days compared to non-operational days and after cleaning.