Evaluation of Fungi Presence in the Air of Two Broiler Houses with Different Ventilation Systems

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of fungi in two distinct types of broiler houses. The research compared two types of air ventilation: conventional and positive tunnel ventilation. Two different techniques were applied simultaneously for the air borne microorganisms (mesophilic bacteria and fungi) trapping: air aspiration using the air collector SAS 100TM and sedimentation method. High concentrations of fungal spores were detected in the conventional ventilated poultry house. Species of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium crysogenum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Scopulariopsis, prevailed in both poultry houses. The majority of the identified fungal species are characterized as allergenic and an exposure to their spores may provoke adverse health effects.

Keywords

• fungi
• air
• broiler houses