SALMONELLA-ENTERITIDIS INFECTIONS IN POUL TRY - THE DISEASE, DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL

Since 1987 infections with Salmonella enteritidis in poultry are incre asing worldwide. There has been simultaneous increase in the number of human food poisoning cases associated with consumption of contaminate d poultry meat and eggs. Until the age of one week chicks are very sen sitive to infection with S. enteritidis, resulting in clinical symptom s and mortality. In the laying hen the ovarium and oviduct are predile ction sites for S. enteritidis. Some animals become carriers after the acute stage of the disease. Diagnosis of infection can be made throug h bacteriological or serological examination. Vaccines, probiotics, ce rtain carbohydrates and short chain fatty acids can partially protect chickens against the infection. The result of antibiotic treatment of infections with S. enteritidis is uncertain. Certain antibiotic treatm ents even may increase the severity of Salmonella infections in poultr y. With the intention to eradicate infections with S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium in poultry, the European Union will introduce a monitor ing and eradication program for the parent stock in the near future.