Two hundred samples of poultry meat were analyzed in order to evaluate contamination by Aeromonas spp. in eight sites of a slaughterhouse, with 25 samples obtained in each site. Aeromonas spp. was found in nine (36.0%) samples of feathers, 14 (56.0%) samples of stools, 18 (72.0%) carcasses after pre-evisceration, post-evisceration, and cooling, as well as in 20 (80.0%) samples of chilling water. The microorganism was not found in samples from either the supplying water or the tank for scalding water. Aeromonahydrophila was identified in 39 (15.2%) samples, whereas A. sobria, A. caviae, A. veronii, A. schubertii, A. trota, and A. jandaei were identified in, respectively, 69 (26.9%), 87 (34.0%), 18 (7.0%), three (1.2%), two (0.8%), and one (0.4%) samples. In addition, bacteria dissemination may occur during slaughtering and regardless the hygienic-sanitary control followed by the industry, poultry carcasses may be contaminated by Aeromonas spp. Therefore cooled carcasses may represent a potential risk for consumers.
Aeromonas spp; poultry; water; contamination
