Epidemiological Studies on Salmonellosis in Pet Animals and Humans in New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Salmonellosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases that results in many public health risks. , A total number of 920 samples were collected from pets' feces and human's stool in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. The bacteriological examination of collected samples revealed that the prevalence of NTS in the New Valley Governorate was 1.7% in humans and 1.6 % in pets (0.9% in cats, and 2.2% in dogs). The locality, season, health status, sex, and age can significantly affect the prevalence of salmonellosis in pets and humans. All Salmonella isolates from dogs, cats, and humans were only obtained in the cold season and from cats, dogs, and humans with diarrhea and gastrointestinal manifestation and no Salmonella could be isolated from apparently healthy ones. Salmonella was recovered from male dogs (3.5%) more than bitches (1.1%), also male cats (1.25%) were more than female cats (0%). In addition, Salmonella isolates from human males (4.4%) were more than females (0.4%). The highest prevalence of salmonellosis was detected in the young age group, < 6 months, of dogs (2.5%) and cats (1.4%). On the other hand, the highest prevalence of human salmonellosis was found in group D (> 40: 60 years) followed by group A (<6 years) by 7.5% &1.7%, respectively. The prevalence of salmonellosis was higher in individuals of close contact with their pets (1.7%) than those of non-contacts (1.5%). Pet sanitary practices and personal hygiene are very important measures for Salmonella prevention. The routine examination of pets against salmonellosis is recommended.