Salmonellosis in apparently healthy dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Zoonotic Disease Research
• Canine Health

Background:

• Salmonella infections pose a significant public health risk.
• Dogs can act as reservoirs and potential sources of Salmonella transmission.
• Understanding Salmonella prevalence in different dog populations is crucial for control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and serotype diversity of Salmonella in dogs in Tehran, Iran.
• To investigate potential differences in Salmonella shedding among household pets, kennel dogs, and strays.

Main Methods:

• Rectal swabs were collected from 672 dogs in Tehran.
• Samples were cultured and tested for the presence of Salmonella.
• Identified Salmonella isolates were serotyped to determine their diversity.

Main Results:

• Salmonella was isolated from 52 (7.7%) of the 672 dogs.
• A total of 20 different Salmonella serotypes were identified.
• Prevalence rates were 4.4% in household pets, 15.5% in kennel dogs, and 15.8% in stray dogs.

Conclusions:

• Dogs in Tehran harbor a diverse range of Salmonella serotypes.
• Kennel dogs and stray dogs exhibit a higher prevalence of Salmonella shedding compared to household pets.
• These findings highlight the importance of monitoring Salmonella in canine populations for public health surveillance.