Salmonella Surveillance Systems in Swine and Humans in Spain: A Review

Abstract

Non-typhoid salmonellosis is a common and problematic foodborne zoonotic disease in which pork and pork products can be an important potential source of infection. In order to prevent this disease important efforts to monitor the situation in the main source, livestock, are conducted in most developed countries. In the European Union EFSA and ECDC compile information at the member state level, even though important differences in production systems and surveillance systems exist. Here, Salmonella surveillance systems in one of the main sources of foodborne salmonellosis, swine, and humans in Spain were reviewed to identify potential gaps and discuss potential ways of integration under a One Health approach. Despite the extensive information generated through the surveillance activities source attribution can be only routinely performed through ad-hoc outbreak investigations, and national reports on human outbreaks do not provide sufficiently detailed information to gain a better understanding of the epidemiology of the pathogen. Human and animal monitoring of Salmonella would benefit from a better exchange of information and collaboration. Analysis of spatio-temporal trends in livestock and humans could help to identify likely sources of infection and to target surveillance efforts in areas with higher prevalence or where specific strains are found.

Salud porcina: historia, retos y perspectivas

“…En la forma superaguda, la septicemia provoca muerte súbita, principalmente en cerdos de dos a tres meses de edad, con hemorragia difusa en diferentes órganos; la forma aguda presenta diarrea amarillenta, fiebre y emaciación, con úlceras, que puede derivar en una forma crónica, con la presencia de úlceras botonosas, necrosis intestinal y estenosis. Los animales infectados permanecen como portadores durante meses y excretan la bacteria intermitentemente, vía heces (33) .…”