Authors : Akpobire Oghenekome; Eloho Rose

Volume/Issue : Volume 5 - 2020, Issue 12 - December

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Abstract : The research examined the microbial count loads of bush meat sold at different locations along Warri to Benin Express way in Nigeria. An inclusive sampling method was used to purposively select nine locations along the Warri to Benin Express way where bush meats such as antelope, Grass cutters and Monkeys were routinely sold to commuters and locals in the area. Samples of smoked bush meat were purchased from locations (Adeji Junction, Oviri Court Junction, Amukpe Junction, Mosogar Old Garage Junction , Jesse Junction, Ovade Junction , Ologbo old park , Koko Junction , Elume junction respectively), and transported to the laboratory using sterile plastic bags. Fastidious growth of organism suspected to be present in the bush meat was determined via standard nutrient broth inoculation for twenty four hours. Sabrose agar, Macconkey, Potatoes dextrose agar, Blood agarand Chocolate agar sub-cultures of sample broth were developed from the initial broth. Several Biochemical analyses(e.g. indole citrate, urease and oxidase tests) of isolates were carried out to identify and classify microbes present in the bush meats. The findings reveal the bushmeat samples had high microbial viable counts. Bacteria counts ranged from . The identified bacteria isolates include: Staphylococcus aureus, Providencia freundii, Staphylococcus epidermilis, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus feacalis, ,and Escherichia coli.The bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis was seen in bush meat from most of the study locations. Bush meats from Jesse Junction and Adeji Junction show the most and least microbial count respectively. Fungi were not detected in the bush meats. This might be attributed to the way the bush meats were preserved by the vendors. At there was no significant difference in microbial counts among types of bush meat and also among the locations of sales along Warri-Benin Express way. The observed microbial counts load in this study is huge. This may be a result of lack of appropriate health agency checking the sales of bush meat at various locations along Warri to Benin Express way in Nigeria. Meat vendors and butchers should also be well educated on the potential negative health impacts resulting from poor personal and environmental hygiene. The study recommends that Consumers of Bush meats should take into consideration the risk associated with the potential contamination of the meat with microorganisms, and the conditions under which the meat was handled, sold and prepared as food or part of food

Keywords : Bacteria, Bush Meat, Microbial Count, Food Contamination.