Microbial investigation of drinking water in broiler farms for Salmonella and Escherichia coli bacteria using the most probable number method in northern Khuzestan, Iran

Microbial contamination of drinking water in poultry production poses significant risks to bird health and public safety. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial quality of drinking water in broiler farms in northern Khuzestan, Iran, focusing on Escherichia coli and Salmonella prevalence. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October ۲۰۲۴, analyzing ۳۲ farm water samples and ۱۰ municipal water sources (controls) using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. E. coli was detected in ۵۹.۴% of farm samples (mean: ۸۵ MPN/۱۰۰ ml), significantly higher than the ۱۰% contamination in municipal water (mean: ۰.۸ MPN/۱۰۰ ml). A significant positive correlation was found between water temperatures above ۲۵°C and E. coli counts (r = ۰.۵۵, p = ۰.۰۳), suggesting that environmental heat accelerates bacterial proliferation. Salmonella was detected in ۶.۲۵% of farm samples and was absent in municipal water. The results revealed major vulnerabilities in farm water management compared to the effective centralized municipal treatment. While E. coli remains a reliable fecal indicator, the presence of Salmonella underscores the need for improved pathogen surveillance. Implementing infrastructural upgrades, farmer training, and routine microbial monitoring are essential to mitigate health risks and enhance biosecurity in the region's poultry industry.

کلیدواژه ها:

Drinking Water ، Escherichia coli ، Khuzestan ، Poultry Farms ، Salmonella