SALMONELLA ECOLOGY

Control of the cyclic phenomena of salmonellosis will be effective only when all sources of Salmonella are attacked simultaneously. Salmonella ecology must be studied to clarify the problem. Studies at the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station related to salmonella ecology have been conducted, in part, in the following areas: (1) Convenience foods studied have shown a decreased incidence of salmonella contamination from 1962-65. (2) The examination of fishes recovered from sewage-polluted streams reveals a high percentage harboring salmonellae in the intestinal tract. Per os inoculation of catfish demonstrated viability of salmonellae in the stomach and intestine for at least 29 days. We believe this indicates a demand for salmonella-free fish food for commercial fish rearing. (3) Human salmonella carriers can develop following contact with cold-blooded animal pets. Food workers in critical areas should be carefully examined as potential carriers of salmonellae. We have shown the potential danger of carrier development in our cold-blooded pet survey. © 1969 AOCS Press.