This is the first extensive study of the prevalence of naturally acquired Salmonella infection in wild-caught kangaroos in Australia. Given the close association between kangaroos, livestock, and humans and the growing popularity of kangaroo meat, it is important to identify epidemiologic factors associated with infection in these marsupials in order to minimize the risk of Salmonella transmission. The overall prevalence of fecal Salmonella in 645 western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) sampled across 10 locations in Western Australia was 3.6% (95% CI: 2.3–5.3). Seven Salmonella serovars were identified including Salmonella enterica serovar Muenchen, Kiambu, Rubislaw, Lindern, Champaign, Saintpaul and II 42:g,t:-. Prevalence was significantly associated with rainfall (P<0.05) and was highest in the April–June quarter (P<0.05). There was no association between age or sex and the prevalence of Salmonella in fecal samples. Our results suggest that, while kangaroos are infected with Salmonella in their natural habitat, infection is less common than in hand-reared joeys, pet kangaroos, and macropods raised in captivity. Care should be taken to maintain hygiene during the evisceration, processing, and handling of kangaroos and to adequately cook kangaroo meat prior to consumption to reduce the risk of salmonellosis.
Epidemiology|
October 01 2011
PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA IN FECAL SAMPLES OF WESTERN GREY KANGAROOS (MACROPUS FULIGINOSUS)
Abbey S. Potter;
Abbey S. Potter
2
1School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, 6150, Western Australia, Australia
2 Corresponding author (email: [email protected])
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Simon A. Reid;
Simon A. Reid
1School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, 6150, Western Australia, Australia
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Stan G. Fenwick
Stan G. Fenwick
1School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, 6150, Western Australia, Australia
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J Wildl Dis (2011) 47 (4): 880–887.
Article history
Received:
November 16 2010
Accepted:
June 24 2011
Citation
Abbey S. Potter, Simon A. Reid, Stan G. Fenwick; PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA IN FECAL SAMPLES OF WESTERN GREY KANGAROOS (MACROPUS FULIGINOSUS). J Wildl Dis 1 October 2011; 47 (4): 880–887. doi: https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-47.4.880
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