Vaccines to prevent colonization and infection of poultry by Salmonella enteritidis serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium

Project Team: Wolfgang Köster (Koester), Colette Wheler, Emil Berberov, Shirley Lam, Dinesh Wellawa

Zoonotic bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis (SE) and Typhimurium (ST) pose a significant food safety risk. They do not cause disease in poultry, but when transferred to humans, usually through improper food handling or cooking, can lead to food poisoning.

Vaccination to prevent colonization of poultry is a strategy to reduce the risk of contaminated food. Studies have shown young chicks are the most susceptible to infection and provide the weakest link in the immunological control of SE. We believe in ovo vaccination, in combination with existing disease control procedures, could provide individual and flock immunity. This would result in a reduced risk of infection and contamination.

In ovo vaccination strategies are being assessed to determine effectiveness in producing a protective immune response.