Salmonella in Domestic Animals (2nd Edition)

Abstract

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica remains a major cause of infection and disease in man and animals worldwide. Much of the economic and public health problems arise from diseases of animals or disease-free carriage. In Europe animal salmonellosis as a cause of human infection became increasingly signifi cant as agricultural production began to intensify after World War II. In the 1950s the rapid intensifi cation of the poultry industry in many countries was sup- ported by importation of dried fi sh meal from South America which contained many Salmo- nella serovars. Much more recently the pandemic involving several phage types of S. Enteritidis concentrated the minds of governments which introduced increased surveillance and control measures that have been successful in many countries. The fi rst edition of this book arose at a time when our understanding of the biology, genet- ics and immunology was expanding almost exponentially. These changes are continuing and it is a good time 13 years after the appearance of the fi rst edition to stand back and review our knowledge of the organism together with current and new approaches to infection control. Patterns of livestock production and movement are changing as the world is changing. Elevated wages in the West result in increased production in and importation of poultry meat and processed products from countries in South America and Asia. An improved standard of living in many countries is accompanied by increased meat consumption, mainly pork and poultry but also beef and dairy products. Regulation of meat production in many countries is improving but there are currently huge problems of antibiotic resistance which is becoming a global problem. Poor management and hygiene results in the transmission of many viral and bacterial pathogens of which Salmonella is just one. Other changes associated with increasing living standards in South America and Asia include the increasing importance of companion animals in people’s lives which are well recognized as sources of infection.