The incidence of Salmonella in random-source cats purchased for use in research

In research facilities, cats are routinely ignored as a potential source of salmonella infection. Over a period of 18 months, 142 cats received from commercial vendors for use in research were screened for enteric Salmonella. Salmonella was isolated from 15 animals, an incidence of 10.6%. Five (29%) of the 17 shipments contained animals that were positive for Salmonella. The serotypes isolated were Salmonella derby, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella anatum, Salmonella enteritidis, and Salmonella bredeney.