Evaluation of biosecurity and fungal contaminants in the poultry farms in Songkhla Province, Thailand

Spreading of pathogenic fungi and toxigenic fungi in the poultry farms could lead to adverse health effects to exposed workers and chickens. Soil and air (indoor and outdoor) samples from two poultry farms in Songkhla Province, Thailand, were studied for the presence of fungal contaminants. The results demonstrated a mean value of 4445 CFU/g and 1908 CFU/m(3) from soil and air samples, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no influence of seasonal variation on the concentration of fungi. A total of 28 species belonging to 16 genera, including nonsporulating fungi, were recovered from soil and air samples in both poultry farms. Sixteen fungal genera were obtained in soil samples and Penicillium was the most frequently encountered genus (34.1%), followed by Aspergillus (33.4%) and Cladosporium (11.7%). Ten genera (Aspergillus, Peniciiiium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Curvularia, Trichoderma, Acremonium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Scopulariopsis) were identified in the air samples. Characteristics of the poultry farms and surrounding environment were described and the biosecurity level of the farms was evaluated. The results revealed a low biosecurity level and high vulnerability to fungal contamination of the farms. The present study showed that poultry farms were potential reservoirs of substantial loads of fungal contaminants and fungal pathogens.