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Summary
Wild mammals, including house mice, were surveyed for Salmonella. House mice (Mus musculus) were found to carry Salmonella dublin, likely from cattle, indicating wild populations are not a current reservoir for domestic animal infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
Background:
- Salmonella infections pose a significant risk to both domestic animals and public health.
- Understanding potential reservoirs of Salmonella in wildlife is crucial for disease control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Salmonella in free-living wild mammals in specific UK regions.
- To determine if wild mammal populations act as a reservoir for Salmonella that could infect domestic animals.
Main Methods:
- A total of 1,269 wild mammals from 16 different species were sampled across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
- Samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella using standard microbiological techniques.
Main Results:
- Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from one wild mammal.
- Salmonella dublin was isolated from seven house mice (Mus musculus).
- No Salmonella was detected in the other 15 wild mammal species examined.
Conclusions:
- House mice infected with Salmonella dublin likely acquired the bacteria from experimentally infected cattle.
- The current wild mammal population in the studied areas does not appear to serve as a significant reservoir for domestic animal Salmonella infections.