ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AEROMYCOFLORA INPOULTRY FARM HANUMANTGAON VILLAGE, DIST.A.NAGAR, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Botany

Abstract: Aerobiological investigations are essential for evaluating air quality and understanding the health hazards associated with airborne fungal spores, especially in animal rearing environments. Poultry farm workers are continuously exposed to bioaerosols originating from litter, feed, and bedding material and surrounding outdoor environments, which may result in respiratory disorders such as allergies and asthma. The present study was undertaken to isolate and identify aeromycoflora from indoor and outdoor environments of a poultry farm located at Hanumantgaon village, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, with the objective of assessing the pattern of fungal exposure and its potential impact on workers’ health. Air sampling was carried out using standard aero mycological techniques, and fungal spores were isolated and identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics. The study revealed the predominance of allergenic fungal genera such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillums and Penicillium, which are commonly reported from agricultural and animal housing environments. Variations in fungal spore concentration were influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation and hygienic conditions within the poultry shed. The results indicate that poultry farm air contains significant levels of airborne fungi capable of posing occupational health risks. Regular monitoring of aeromycoflora and improvement of farm management practices are recommended to minimize exposure and protect worker health.

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