The taxonomy, nomenclature, phylogenetics and molecular epidemiology of Salmonella spp. are described.

The paper describes the necessity to only use tests for national salmonella monitoring and reduction programmes that are "harmonized", i.e. that produce at least at herd level the same results. Four in Germany licensed tests were audited in a proficiency test by four independent and neutral laboratories. The test was designed rather to harmonize the tests, if necessary, than to evaluate the single tests. The methods used to provide a high credibility for the proficiency test's outcome are explained. The conclusion of the ring test is that three of the four tests can be used for the salmonella monitoring programme in Germany as long as not single results are compared to each other, but the results of sets of sera are used for the herd categorization for their risk level of introducing Salmonella spec. into the food chain.

This article discusses the use of mice as disease models for salmonellosis and compares the immunological factors of the diseases in these models and pigs, cattle and poultry.

An overview of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards and the implementation of European Union legislation on the monitoring, reporting and control of salmonellosis are presented.