This study examined the bacterial species of market vended ponmo in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state. The bacterial species were identified using the culture growth medium (nutrient agar) and biochemical tests. Thirty (30) pieces of ponmo were purchased from three vendors (ten each) in the market at different locations. Seven (7) bacterial isolates were identified, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, Shigella dysenteria, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiela spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, from the processed cow hide. Based on the percentage of distribution, Staphylococcus auerus had the highest percentage occurrence (22%), while Klebsiela species had the lowest (5%). The range mean counts were between 6.2 × 104 and 2.5×105 cfu/ml. The study showed that the unhygienic processing methods, unclean environment and retail sales equipment may favor the growth of these microorganisms isolated from the processed hide. The presence of these bacterial isolates is of great concern due to the public health risks that may be associated with the consumption of the processed cow hide. Therefore, public enlightenment, provision of modern processing equipment, clean environment and new storage technology that could be used for preservation of the product for a long time, are necessary.
Key words: Bacteria, Processed cow hide, Ponmo, Market
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