Prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter species in animals at Emperor Valley Zoo, Trinidad

Abstract

The prevalence of Salmonella and thermophilic Campylobacter species in animals kept at the Emperor Valley Zoo, Trinidad, was determined. Of the 433 animals from a total of 30 species sampled, 28 (6.5%) and 11 (2.5%) were positive for Salmonella and Campylobacter, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < or = 0.001: chi2). Overall, 12 stereotypes of Salmonella were isolated, with S. miami accounting for eight (25.8%) of 31 isolates. All Campylobacter isolates were C. jejuni, with nine (81.8%) of 11 isolates originating from birds. Reptiles had a high prevalence of Salmonella infection with a high probability for salmonellosis, but the risk of campylobacteriosis appears to be very low.