02.01.2017

Risk Anal. 2016 36(3):561-70

Salmonellosis is a significant cause of foodborne gastroenteritis in Australia, and rates of illness have increased over recent years. A new research estimates the contribution of different animal reservoirs to illness due to Salmonella spp. in South Australia between 2000 and 2010. 35% (95% CrI: 20-49) of sporadic cases were attributed to chicken meat and 37% (95% CrI: 23-53) of sporadic cases to eggs. Of outbreak-related cases, 33% (95% CrI: 20-62) were attributed to chicken meat and 59% (95% CrI: 29-75) to eggs. Analysis of source-related parameters showed higher risk of illness from contaminated eggs than from contaminated chicken meat, suggesting that consumption and handling practices potentially play a bigger role in illness due to eggs, considering low Salmonella prevalence on eggs. These results strengthen the evidence that eggs and chicken meat are important vehicles for salmonellosis in South Australia.