Related Experiment Videos
Salmonella in sheep in Iceland
S Hjartardóttir1, E Gunnarsson, J Sigvaldadóttir
1Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur, Iceland. sigrhj@hi.is
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
|June 20, 2002
Summary
Salmonella infection is rare in Icelandic sheep, with healthy carriers potentially harboring bacteria in their tonsils. This study investigated sheep contamination following food poisoning outbreaks linked to singed sheep heads.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Food Safety
- Microbiology
Background:
- Outbreaks of human salmonellosis in Iceland in 1995 were linked to contaminated singed sheep heads.
- This highlighted a need to investigate Salmonella prevalence in the Icelandic sheep population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Salmonella infection in Icelandic sheep.
- To identify potential sources and transmission routes of Salmonella in sheep.
Main Methods:
- Faecal, intestinal, and tonsillar samples were collected from sheep across 55 farms in Iceland during spring and autumn.
- Samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella.
Main Results:
- Salmonella was detected in tonsillar samples from sheep on 5 farms (3 in the southwest, 2 in the northwest) during autumn.
- Faecal samples from the southwest were negative; positive faecal samples were found in the northwest.
- Salmonella was not found in slaughterhouse drainage or singed sheep heads.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella infection is uncommon in Icelandic sheep.
- Healthy sheep may act as carriers, harboring Salmonella bacteria in their tonsils.
- The study did not identify singed sheep heads or slaughterhouse drainage as sources of contamination in this context.