Salmonella classification

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Classification click Classification 2

Disease

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Humans

  • Can be asymptomatic or with symptoms such as diarrhoea and other mild symptoms
  • The clinical condition may rarely worsen
  • The most common serovars causing disease in humans are S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, and monophasic S. Typhimurium

Animals

  • Most frequently infected animals are asymptomatic. In this way, Salmonella can spread easily between animals in a herd or flock and enter the food chain without being detected
    • In the EU, national control programmes (NCPs) of Salmonella in the main poultry production sectors have been implemented, combining the census sampling of flocks, the management of the tested-positive flocks and the prevention of flock infections. Certain Member States have also carried out NCPs in pig production sector. The implementation of stringent hygiene all along the food-chain complements the NCPs. (See below and the story map on Salmonella)
  • In some cases, infected animals can develop symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and abortion, mainly due to specific serovars
  • The most common serovars found in animals are:
    • In poultry species: S. Enteritidis, S. Infantis, and S. Kentucky
    • In pigs: monophasic S. Typhimurium, S. Typhimurium, and S. Derby
    • In cattle: S. Typhimurium and S. Dublin

Humans

Human

Animals

Animals

Ecology of Salmonella

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Transmission routes

Routes of transmission
Salmonella contamination to humans occurs through contaminated food, such as:
  • Undercooked meat (mainly poultry and pork)
  • Eggs
  • Fruits and raw vegetables
  • Unpasteurized milk
  • Seafood and ready-to-eat food products
But can also be transmitted via:
  • Direct contact with infected animals
  • Contact with contaminated materials and the contaminated environment
Animals can become infected via:
  • Direct transmission from infected animals
  • Contaminated water, faeces, insects, farm staff or equipment