Prevention of salmonellosis: New opportunities in veterinary medicine

It is known that salmonellosis is the most complex and economically the mos t significant foodborne zoonosis. We have witnessed the emergence of new se rovars; and phage types and concomitant increase of cases in several countr ies as well as in Hungary. Based on the zoonotic nature, protection of anim als from Salmonella (primarily from S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium) shou ld have a top priority. The authors summarize the initiatives made in this direction during the last decade in Hungary and they point out their experi ences with some of the methods applied. Furthermore the authors confirm their earlier (1997) proposals for establis hment of a National Salmonella Reduction Plan, partly organized by the gove rnment, based on its significance to human health. This Hungarian plan shou ld aim to establish a program for Salmonella monitoring and for Salmonella reduction, primarily for poultry, but later also for swine. In support of s uch a program, the authors present international and some Hungarian data on the area of diagnostic and epidemiology for supporting a monitoring progra m. Results and observations regarding vaccinations (serovar specificity and on cross protection) are also discussed. Furthermore the newly recognized quorum sensing" signal mechanism of Salmonella is pointed out as one possib le area to improve the efficiency of live oral vaccines.