The importance of Campylobacter and Salmonella as foodborne pathogens is well
recognised globally. A recent work in Penang found ducks in commercial farms were infected
with these organisms. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of Campylobacter and
Salmonella in ducks and Salmonella in duck eggs in farms in a small part of Selangor. Cloacal
swabs were obtained from 75 ducks and 30 duck eggs from three farms. The isolation and
identification of Campylobacter and Salmonella were done using conventional methods.
Twelve percent of Campylobacter and 16.0% of Salmonella were isolated from the ducks
sampled. Salmonella was absent on and in eggs. Campylobacter isolates consisted of 22%
Campylobacter jejuni and the remaining was Campylobacter coli. Three Salmonella serovars
identified were Salmonella Agona, S. Braenderup and S. Corvallis. The presence of
Campylobacter and Salmonella in ducks may cause contamination of the meat during
processing and handling which can constitute public health hazard. Moreover, the farm
workers may be exposed to the organisms through contact with the infected animals.