An outbreak of Salmonella agona infection associated with precooked turkey meat

An outbreak of Salmonella agona phage type (PT) 15 infection in North Staffordshire in September 1996 was associated with consumption of precooked turkey meat. The shops from which five of the six cases had bought turkey meat were supplied by the same distributor. S. agona phage type 15 was isolated from nine cases, from cooked turkey sampled from a shop, and from an unopened cryovacuumed packed joint at the supplier's premises. Environmental investigations at a food manufacturer's premises revealed deficiencies in cooking practices. Microbiological investigations at those premises on samples (food, environmental swabs) taken two to three weeks after the cases became ill were negative. The rarity of S. agona brought this outbreak to our attention and the successful identification of a vehicle of infection demonstrated the value of local surveillance of gastrointestinal pathogens and of good working relationships between public health and local authority staff. The prompt voluntary withdrawal of suspect product probably prevented further cases.