Abstract
Several countries still permit strains of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, a leading cause of gastrointestinal illness in humans, to be used in rat baits. To assess the human health risk associated with such rat bait, we first reviewed historic data on health hazards associated with Ratin, a rodenticide that was used in Europe until the early 1960s. Ratin caused outbreaks of human illness, including several deaths. We then compared S. Enteritidis isolated from a current commercial product, Biorat, with S. Enteritidis from Ratin and found that the strains were both phage type 6a. Based on the similarity of the strains, currently available Salmonella-based rodenticides likely are as great a threat to public health as past strains were. Health officials should be aware that the continued use of Salmonella-based rodenticides is a risk to public health and should take appropriate measures to prevent use in their jurisdictions.
Highlights
Several countries still permit strains of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, a leading cause of gastrointestinal illness in humans, to be used in rat baits
Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhimurium and Enteritidis have been used as rodenticides since the late nineteenth century
In 1954 [3] and again in 1967 [4], the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that Salmonella-based rodenticides not be used because they posed a hazard to human health
Summary
Several countries still permit strains of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, a leading cause of gastrointestinal illness in humans, to be used in rat baits. Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhimurium and Enteritidis have been used as rodenticides since the late nineteenth century. Typhimurium used as rodenticide were identical to strains causing “meat poisoning” and might cause disease among humans. In 1954 [3] and again in 1967 [4], the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that Salmonella-based rodenticides not be used because they posed a hazard to human health.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
