Role of rodents in transmission ofSalmonellaandCampylobacter

Abstract

Salmonella and Campylobacter are generally regarded as the most important food-borne pathogens in the world. Reduction or elimination of these pathogens in the first part of the food chain (on the farm) is important to prevent disease among consumers of animal products. In organic farming, elimination becomes more difficult, as food animals are allowed outdoors and have easy access to potential sources of hazardous pathogens. Whilst rodents are often associated by organic farmers with infrastructural damage and eating or spoiling of stored feed and products, their zoonotic risks are frequently underestimated. They can amplify the number of pathogens in the environment and transfer them to food animals. Thus organic farmers should be aware of the need for rodent control from a food safety perspective. Preferably, rodent control should form an integral part of a total package of hygiene measures to prevent transfer of food-borne pathogens. These should also include e.g. control of wild birds and flies and obligatory disinfection of boots/clothes and equipment for farm workers and visitors.

Fecal Shedding of Zoonotic Food-Borne Pathogens by Wild Rodents in a Major Agricultural Region of the Central California Coast

“…Fecal prevalence of Salmonella in the current study also fell within previously reported ranges in wild rodents (33). In one study, none of the specimens from wild mice trapped in a major produce production region in California was positive for Salmonella (34).…”

“…With increasing trap success, there was a concurrent increase in the odds of shedding of Salmonella, suggesting that a possible density-dependent horizontal transmission mechanism occurs between rodents. This finding is supported by studies that have reported an increased risk of shedding with increased rodent density (33,42). High rates of rodent dispersal have also been associated with increased density (43), which may in turn facilitate emigration of infected rodents into new areas.…”

Outbreaks of salmonellosis in three different poultry farms of Kerala, India

“…The control of Salmonella is difficult as Salmonella can remain in the environment. Rodents also play an important role in the persistence of salmonella in poultry farms [10] .…”

Salmonellosis in Poultry: A Case Report

“…Rodents also play an important role in the persistence of Salmonella in poultry farms (Meerburg and Kijlstra, 2007). All manure was scraped from floors and walls and all feeding and watering equipments were disinfected.…”