Review of the Food-borne Zoonoses Research ... - ARCHIVE: Defra

1. Salmonella Review Summary
1.1 Success of research in providing value to Defra
Salmonellosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of man and animals
worldwide and has important implications for human and animal health and welfare. At
present Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium account for the majority of cases of
human salmonellosis.
Defra is responsible for the protection of animal health and has a major role in protecting
human health from animal diseases. The panel felt that it was therefore appropriate for
Defra to fund work in this area and agreed that Defra‘s portfolio of Salmonella research
has contributed significantly to the Salmonella evidence base, to developing scientific
methodology and maintaining essential expertise.
Development of Molecular Methods
DNA techniques have been employed to develop molecular subtyping methods for
Salmonella. This has helped to improve strain identification and comparison of
Salmonella species.
Research is currently in place to develop rapid screening tools to improve the detection
and control of Salmonella, by providing an early warning system for the emergence of the
next epidemic Salmonella strain or clone.
Poultry Research – Broilers
Valuable research has been undertaken investigating bacterial and host genes involved
in Salmonella colonisation in poultry. This has contributed to our understanding of the
genetic basis of host resistance to colonisation which could be exploited using genetic
selection.
Commissioned research aimed at assisting the turkey industry with reducing Salmonella
and antimicrobial resistance is at an early stage. It was thought that this had the potential
be extremely important to Defra in providing evidence on the occurrence and
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