A Study on the Occurrence of Salmonella in Maltese Hunting Dogs

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to initiate an investigation to ascertain the incidence of Salmonella shedding by apparently healthy Maltese hunting and scavenging dogs, while highlighting the risks which may affect dog-owners and their livestock. Materials and methods: Rectal swabs from 50 dogs dispersed in different locations around Malta were examined, each test being done only on one occasion. The samples were cultured for Salmonella using Rappaport-Vassiliadis selective enrichment broth (Oxoid CM 0669) and Salmonella chromogenic agar (Condalab CAT: 1122.00). Suspected Salmonella isolate samples then underwent Salmonella species confirmation and serovar typing, specifically for S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium.