Decrease the prevalence of Salmonella carrier state in animals : a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

Most human cases of salmonellosis in developed countries are related to the consumption of contaminated eggs, poultry and pig meat. To improve food safety, INRA aims, in collaboration with AFSSA, at decreasing the prevalence of contamination of raw animal material, especially those originating from poultry or pigs. This implies improving animal health and reducing asymptomatic carrier-state (i.e animals carrying or shedding bacteria without any clinical signs). This involves increasing the knowledge of mechanisms of animal colonisation by bacteria and also the immune response allowing the host to resist the pathogen. These studies will result in the development of vaccines and drugs but also in the selection of animals more resistant to the Salmonella carrier state. Finally, an integrative approach, using results from experiments and field studies, allows modelising the contamination of animals and food industries and in turn evaluating the risk of transmission and the impact of prophylactic means.