Environmental Dissemination of Foodborne Salmonella in Preharvest Poultry Production: Reservoirs, Critical Factors, and Research Strategies

Abstract

The impact of potential pathogenic foodborne Salmonella spp. in poultry production environments is of paramount importance, considering its implications for human health. Most of what is known about this organism under these environmental conditions is based on indirect evidence. The overall focus of this review is on the biology of potentially pathogenic foodborne Salmonella spp. in poultry environments. This is not just because of the implications regarding pathogenic Salmonella spp. for poultry production and food safety but because Salmonella spp. behavior may serve as a model for understanding general bacterial pathogen persistence in animal agricultural environments. This will help meet a long-term need to develop a comprehensive ecological picture of the contamination potential, growth, survival, and genetic stability of pathogens in poultry and other animal production environments. This will in turn lead to a better understanding of the environmental and health impacts of foodborne Salmonella spp. dissemination in animal production environments.