Enterobacteria isolation in ostrich eggs (Struthio Camelus)

this study was conducted to determine the presence of enterobacteria in the eggs of ostriches reared on a farm with a history of reproductive failure. ninety samples from twenty eggs were submitted to bacteriological tests. the results showed enterobacteria growth in 100% of the eggs. the microorganisms isolated were hafnia alvei in 50% (10/20), serratia spp. in 20% (4/20), escherichia coli in 15% (3/20), and citrobacter freundii in 15% (3/20). all eggs presented poor eggshell quality, which favored enterobacteria contamination. hafnia alvei was present only in the internal egg structures (albumen and yolk sac), suggesting the possibility of vertical infection.