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Salmonelliasis in wildlife from Queensland
A D Thomas1, J C Forbes-Faulkner, R Speare
1Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal and Plant Health Service, Oonoonba Veterinary Laboratory, Townsville, Australia.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|April 20, 2001
Summary
Salmonella bacteria were found in 25 wildlife species and crocodiles in Australia over 20 years. Salmonella Virchow, common in humans, was prevalent in macropodids but absent in reptiles.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Wildlife Ecology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Salmonella spp. are significant zoonotic pathogens.
- Understanding Salmonella reservoirs in wildlife is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies have identified various animal hosts for Salmonella.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and diversity of Salmonella serotypes in Australian wildlife.
- To identify potential wildlife reservoirs for Salmonella, particularly Salmonella Virchow.
- To inform public health strategies regarding salmonellosis in North Queensland.
Main Methods:
- Culturing and serotyping of Salmonella isolates from wildlife animals, crocodile eggs, and nesting sites.
- Data collection over a 20-year period (1978-1998).
- Analysis of Salmonella serotype distribution across different wildlife species and environments.
Main Results:
- A total of 233 Salmonella isolates from 179 wildlife animals (25 species), 32 crocodile eggs, and 6 nesting sites were identified.
- Fifty-nine different Salmonella serotypes were detected.
- Salmonella serotype Virchow was common in macropodids but not found in reptiles; it was isolated once from cane toads.
Conclusions:
- Wildlife, including macropodids and reptiles, can harbor diverse Salmonella serotypes.
- Salmonella Virchow, a significant human pathogen, circulates in specific Australian wildlife populations.
- Integrated studies of human and animal Salmonella infections are recommended for effective disease control.