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The authors investigated the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in 205 wild birds and mammals belonging to 45 species during the years 2001 and 2002 in the Basque Country (Spain). Salmonella was isolated from 16 (7.8%) animals. The prevalence was 8.5% (7/82) in birds, and 7.2% (9/123) in mammals. Nine serotypes, all of them belonging to the species Salmonella enterica, were identified: two isolates of Typhimurium (from 1/3 griffon vultures [Gyps fulvus], and 1/5 sparrowhawks [Accipiter nisus]); one of 6,14:z4, z23: (subsp. houtenae, 1/1 common kestrel [Falco tinnunculus]); one of Muenchen (1/1 captive Harris's hawk [Parabuteo unicinctus]); two of Enteritidis (1/5 tawny owls [Strix aluco], and 1/14 foxes [Vulpes vulpes]); one of Give, Newport and Umbilo and one untyped islolate (4/22 badgers [Meles meles]); two of Worthington and one of 38:IV:z35 (subsp. arizonae, 3/40 wild boars [Sus scrofa]); and three other untyped isolates (1/1 northern fulmar [Fulmarus glacialis], 1/11 buzzards [Buteo buteo], 1/4 genets [Genetta genetta]). Salmonella isolation was never associated with macroscopic or microscopic lesions. The results of this study confirm the importance of wildlife as a Salmonella reservoir and as a potential risk for humans and livestock.

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