Salmonellosis in Food and Companion Animals and Its Public Health Importance

Abstract

Salmonellosis in animals is caused by typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella organisms. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is a zoonosis of major public health concern occasioning over 155, 000 mortalities yearly worldwide. The majority of the human infections are mainly acquired directly through consumption of contaminated foods of animal origin, particularly poultry, eggs and dairy products or consumption of contaminated fruits. Rodents and will birds are the main reservoirs of non-typhoidal salmonellosis. Salmonellosis has a great economic and health impact occasioned by the cost of surveillance, investigation, treatment, and prevention in both animals and humans. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is further complicated by the wide host range and the emergence of multidrug resistant Salmonella strains due to intensification of livestock production and uncontrolled antimicrobial drug use. There is a need for more innovative prevention and control measures to safeguard losses in animals and human health. This chapter will discuss salmonellosis in food and companion animals, the public health importance, and the challenges facing its control.