Salmonella

Files:

2017-2019 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2018 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2018 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2018:

The number of Salmonella isolates confirmed this year (n=1125) showed a decrease in comparison with 2017 (n= 1217). Salmonella Bovismorbificans was the predominant serotype, representing 7.4% of total isolates (4.3% in 2017). Salmonella serotypes showing an increase this year in comparison with 2017 included: S. Agona (from 1.3% to 2.4%) and S. Saintpaul (from 2.2% to 3.5%)

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2018:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 848 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2018 compared with 972 in 2017.

There was a decrease in the number of:

• Bovine isolates (615 in 2018 vs. 700 in 2017);
• Food isolates (16 in 2018 vs. 30 in 2017);
• Meat/Bone Meal isolates (5 in 2018 vs. 36 in 2017);
• S. Brandenburg isolates (106 in 2018 vs. 137 in 2017);
• S. Infantis isolates (8 in 2018 vs. 26 in 2017);
• S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant isolates (36 in 2018 vs. 59 in 2017);
• S. Typhimurium phage type 101 isolates (62 in 2016 vs. 92 in 2017);

There was an increase in the number of:

• S. Typhimurium phage type 42 isolates (18 in 2018 vs. 8 in 2017);
• S. Typhimurium phage type 135 isolates (25 in 2018 vs. 11 in 2017);

Files:

2017-2019 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2017 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2017 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2017:

The number of Salmonella isolates confirmed this year (n=1217) showed an increase in comparison with 2016 (n= 1150). Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant was the predominant serotype, representing 9.6% of total isolates (5.6% in 2015).

Significant outbreaks and clusters:

An outbreak of Typhoid fever in Auckland in March-April 2017 (Source: Health Intelligence Team, Auckland Regional Public Health Service, EpiSurv, ERL)

• Auckland Regional Public Health Service is currently managing a large typhoid outbreak. To date, all cases in this outbreak are connected to the same church group, the Mt Albert Samoan Assembly of God church which met at a school hall in Mt Roskill. As at 0900 hours 26 April 2017 there are 23 cases (22 confirmed and 1 probable) linked to the outbreak. No change from last week’s update.
• The most recent onset date is 01 April 2017 (no change).
• Cases range in age from 12 months to 78 years old and are evenly distributed by sex.
• 19 of the confirmed cases and the 1 probable case have been hospitalised at some time for this illness. There are no cases remaining in hospital. There has been one death.
• ARPHS is continuing to follow-up 67 contacts, 9 contacts were identified as high risk (8 are food handlers and 1 attends an ECEC). All high risk cases and contacts have been excluded from work / ECEC pending faecal clearance. All contacts are being asked to provide at least 1 faecal specimen for clearance (2 for high risk contacts). 7 high risk contacts have been cleared, to date. Since last week’s update no new contacts have tested positive for S. Typhi.
• ARPHS has established a landing page on its website where all media updates and information is located: http://www.arphs.govt.nz/typhoid-response

Outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi A in Hawke’s Bay potentially linked to mussels collected from Napier Marina September-October 2017 (Source: Health Intelligence Team, EpiSurv, Hawke’s Bay DHB, Auckland Regional Public Health Service, ERL, ESR Public Health Laboratory)

• Hawke’s Bay PHU is investigating an outbreak of S. Paratyphi A (Ciprofloxacin sensitive) linked to non-commercially gathered shellfish from Napier/Ahuriri harbour.

• The number of confirmed cases remains at 10 (including one from Auckland), no change from last week. There are 4 probable cases and 3 are currently under investigation.
• The onset date for the most recent confirmed case is 25 September 2017.
• Mussels from 5 locations around Ahuriri harbour collected on the weekend of 23/24^th September showed faecal contamination (presence of E. coli, norovirus (GI and GII) and Salmonella Typhimurium). Further testing will be conducted on mussels and water from the affected areas to determine if there is an ongoing contamination issue in the area.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2017:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 972 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2017 compared with 684 in 2016.

There was an increase in the number of:

Bovine isolates (383 in 2016 vs. 700 in 2017);

• S. Bovismorbificans isolates (135 in 2016 vs. 292 in 2017);
• S. Brandenburg isolates (127 in 2016 vs. 137 in 2017);
• S. Typhimurium phage type 9 variant isolates (12 in 2016 vs. 20 in 2017);
• S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant isolates (43 in 2016 vs. 59 in 2017);
• S. Typhimurium phage type 101 variant isolates (45 in 2016 vs. 92 in 2017);
• S. Typhimurium phage type 108/170 variant isolates (21 in 2016 vs. 34 in 2017)

There was a decrease in the number of:

• Ovine (69 in 2016 vs. 60 in 2017);
• S. Hindmarsh variant isolates (48 in 2016 vs. 27 in 2017)

Files:

2016 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2016 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2016 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2016:

The number of Salmonella isolates confirmed this year (n=1150) showed an increase in comparison with 2015 (n= 1133). Salmonella Brandenburg was the predominant serotype, representing 5.8% of total isolates (4.6% in 2015). Salmonella serotypes showing an increase this year in comparison with 2015 included: S. Bovismorbificans (from 2.0% to 3.4%), S. Brandenburg (from 4.6% to 5.8%) and S. Stanley (from 2.2% to 5.2%).

Significant outbreaks and clusters:

Increase in Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 9 notifications November 2015 to April 2016 (Source: Health Intelligence Team, EpiSurv, ERL)

• From 01 November 2015 to 12 April 2016 there have been 40 notifications of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 9 in New Zealand. This is a significant increase when compared to the same period in previous years (10 in 2014/2015, 8 in 2013/2014).
• The largest number of cases have been reported from the following DHBs: Tairawhiti (14 cases compared to 1 in 2014/2015 and 2 in 2013/2014), Southern (6 cases compared to 1 in 2014/2015 and 2 in 2013/2014), Waitemata (5 cases) and Auckland (4 cases).
• Cases range in age from 11 months to 82 years, with the majority of cases (28 cases, 70.0%) being adults aged 20 years and older. Sex is evenly distributed.
• 11 cases (35.5%) were hospitalised (31 had a known hospitalisation history).
• The most common risk factors recorded in EpiSurv were contact with faecal matter (38.1%, 8/21), consumption of untreated water (33.3%, 8/24 cases), eating food from a food premise (30.4%, 7/23 cases), recreational water contact (30.4%, 7/23 cases) and contact with farm animals (20.0%, 5/25 cases).
• Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) results show 15 different profiles with 17 cases having an identical profile (EU profile 2-20-3-11-0211). Cases with this profile are widely distributed in the North Island (Tairawhiti: 6 cases, Waitemata: 5 cases, Waikato and Hawke’s Bay: 2 cases each, Auckland and Capital and Coast: 1 case each).
• The ERL has confirmed this phage type in isolates from bovine, ovine, food (not specified) and poultry environment sources previously.

Increase in Salmonella Stanley notifications reported to Tairawhiti DHB in February-May 2016 (Source: Health Intelligence Team, EpiSurv, Tairawhiti DHB, ERL, MPI, Ministry of Health)

• Tairawhiti DHB, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Ministry for Primary Industries and ESR, are investigating an increase in Salmonella Stanley notifications. From 01 February to 04 May 2016 there have been 14 cases reported, a significant increase compared to the same period in previous years (no cases reported previously).
• None of the 14 cases had travelled overseas during the incubation period. In 2015 there were 26 cases of S. Stanley reported in New Zealand, of which 87.0% (20 of the 23 cases with known travel history) were overseas acquired infections.
• Cases are adults ranging in age from 24 to 86 years with the exception of one case who is 2 years old and most likely a secondary case. Sex of cases is evenly distributed.
• Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on a selection of case isolates of S. Stanley confirmed this year and included 10 from Tairawhiti DHB. A common profile, and a profile with one band difference was identified among the Gisborne cluster which suggests that cases may have been exposed to the same source of infection. One case from Auckland DHB was also found to have the outbreak profile. This case has confirmed they were in Gisborne during the incubation period. All other cases had PFGE profiles distinguishable from the outbreak cluster.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2016:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 684 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2016 compared with 627 in 2015.

There was a decrease in the number of:
- Ovine (69 in 2016 vs. 95 in 2015);
- Poultry (24 in 2016 vs. 46 in 2015);
- S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant isolates (43 in 2016 vs. 56 in 2015);

There was an increase in the number of:
- Bovine isolates (383 in 2016 vs. 310 in 2015);
- Meat/Bone Meal isolates (56 in 2016 vs. 29 in 2015);
- S. Bovismorbificans isolates (135 in 2016 vs. 71 in 2015);
- S. Brandenburg isolates (127 in 2016 vs. 102 in 2015);

Files:

2015 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2015 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2015 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2015:

The number of Salmonella isolates confirmed this year (n=1133) showed an increase in comparison with 2014 (n= 1022). Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant remained the predominant serotype, representing 8.5% of total isolates (7.1% in 2014). Salmonella serotypes showing an increase this year in comparison with 2014 included: S. Bovismorbificans (from 0.4% to 2.0%), S. Brandenburg (from 3.4% to 4.6%), S. Thompson (from 0.5% to 2.8%), S. Typhimurium phage type 135 (from 3.4% to 5.7%) and phage type 156 (from 0.9% to 2.4).

Significant outbreaks and clusters:

Outbreak of S. Thompson linked to food premises in Northland (Source: Health Intelligence Team, EpiSurv, ERL, Northland DHB, ARPHS, MPI)

• During the month of January, there were 24 laboratory confirmed cases of S. Thompson reported from Auckland (8 cases), Northland and Waitemata (7 cases each), Counties Manukau and Capital and Coast (1 case each) DHBs. This is an increase for the region when compared to previous years (no cases in 2014, 4 cases in 2013, no cases in 2012).
• At least 16 cases (Auckland region 11 cases, Northland DHB 4 cases and Capital and Coast DHB 1 case) were known to have consumed food from a bakery in Northland during the incubation period. The most common foods consumed include lamb and salad focaccia/rolls (9 cases) and chicken and salad rolls/sandwich (4 cases).
• Molecular typing using Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) was done on a selection of the case isolates and all cases shared an indistinguishable profile. This suggests that cases were exposed to the common source of infection.

Increase in S. Typhimurium phage type 101(Source: EpiSurv, ERL)

• From 01 Feb to 01 April 2015 there were 22 cases of S. Typhimurium phage type 101 reported to EpiSurv. This was an increase compared to the same period in previous years (9 in 2014, 7 in 2013 and 8 in 2012).
• Cases were reported from the following DHBs: Canterbury (15 cases compared to 3 in 2014, 3 in 2013 and 4 in 2012), Waitemata (5 cases compared to 3 in 2014, 2 in 2013 and 0 in 2012), Southern and Whanganui (1 case each).
• No common exposures were identified from EpiSurv data. No cases were known to have travelled overseas during the incubation period (travel history was known for 11 cases).

Increase in S. Enteritidis phage type 11 (Source: EpiSurv, ERL)

• From 01 April to 12 May 2015 there were 14 cases of S. Enteritidis phage type 11 reported to EpiSurv. This was an increase compared to the same period in the previous two years (7 in 2014 and 1 in 2013) but similar to what was observed in 2012 (11 cases) and 2011 (12 cases). Prior to 2012 S. Enteritidis phage type 11 was known as phage type 9a.
• Cases were reported from the following DHBs: MidCentral (3 cases), Waikato and Nelson Marlborough (2 cases each), Northland, Waitemata, Bay of Plenty, Whanganui, Hutt Valley, Canterbury and Southern (1 case each).
• No common exposures were identified from EpiSurv data.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2015:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 637 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2015 compared with 729 in 2014.

There was a decrease in the number of:

-  Ovine (128 in 2014 vs. 95 in 2015);

-  Poultry (86 in 2014 vs. 46 in 2015);

-  Environmental isolates (38 in 2014 vs. 11 in 2015).

There was an increase in the number of:

-  Bovine isolates (233 in 2014 vs. 310 in 2015);

-  S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant isolates (38 in 2014 vs. 56 in 2015);

-  Bovine isolates of S. Bovismorbificans (13 in 2014 vs. 71 in 2015).

Files:

2014 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2014 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2014 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2014:

The number of Salmonella isolates confirmed this year (n=1022) showed a decrease in comparison with 2013 (n= 1216). Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant remained the predominant serotype, representing 7.1% of total isolates (10% 2013). Salmonella serotypes showing an increase this year in comparison with 2013 included: S. Enteritidis phage type 11 (from 2.2% to 3.8%) and phage type RDNC (from 0.6% to 3.0%), and S. Typhimurium phage type 101 (from 2.1% to 4.0%) and phage type 193 (from 0.8% to 1.7%). Several serotypes showed a decrease this year in comparison with 2013 and included: S. Enteritidis phage type 1b (from 1.2% down to 0.5%), S. Saintpaul (from 3.6% down to 2.5%), S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant (from 10.0% down to 7.1%) and phage type 160 (from 5.7% down to 2.6%).

Significant outbreaks and clusters:

Salmonella Infantis (Source: EpiSurv, ARPHS, ERL)

• Eleven cases of S. Infantis were confirmed in the Auckland region during the months of February and March; this compared to three cases during the same period last year.
• Auckland Regional Public Health Service interviewed eight cases of S. Infantis reported from 01 Feb to 19 March 2014. Illness onset dates ranged between 30 Jan to 26 Feb and five cases were hospitalised.
• No overseas travel was identified. No clustering was seen by age, ethnic group or geographic location.
• A common takeout meal consumed by four cases was a suspected source although no common food commodity or food outlet was identified amongst all eight of the cases interviewed.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 120 - Associated with resistance to multiple antibiotics

• Four isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 120 were confirmed during the month of April. All four cases were reported from the Wellington region.
• This phage type has been associated with resistance to multiple antibiotics overseas.
• These four isolates were referred to the Antibiotic Reference Laboratory (ARL) at ESR and were shown to be susceptible to the antibiotics tested. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis was also performed and showed an indistinguishable profile shared by the isolates.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 193 - Associated with resistance to multiple antibiotics

• Seventeen isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 193 were confirmed this year; this compared with a total of 10 cases in 2013.
• This phage type is associated with resistance to multiple antibiotics overseas. These isolates were tested by ARL at ESR and were shown to be sensitive to all antibiotics tested.

Seasonal increase in S. Brandenburg

• Occurrence of Salmonella Brandenburg infection in humans is a seasonal phenomenon in the southern half of the South Island (Baker et al. 2007 in Epidemiol. Infect. 135(1):76–83) and is often linked with occurrence of the serotype in livestock.
• Salmonella Brandenburg has caused periodic epidemics of disease in sheep flocks in Otago and Southland since 1997 see: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/sheep/9090477/Bacterial-outbreak-killing-South-Island-sheep

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type U307 – Uncommon in New Zealand (Source: ERL, EpiSurv)

• Salmonella Typhimurium phage type U307 was first isolated from two human cases in New Zealand in 2010. No further cases were reported until December this year, when six isolates were confirmed;
• Travel history was recorded for all six cases. Of these, five were in Australia during the incubation period. The case that did not travel had close contact with a case that had visited Australia.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2014:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 729 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2014 compared with 967 in 2013.

There was a decrease in the number of animal (585 in 2013 vs. 457 in 2014), poultry (107 in 2013 vs. 86 in 2014) and environmental isolates (118 in 2013 vs. 38 in 2014).

Several Salmonella serotypes showed a decreased in comparison with 2013, including:

• S. Agona: From 4.3% down to 2.3%, linked to a decrease in poultry isolates.
• S. Brandenburg: From 20.4% down to 17.8%, linked to a decrease in environmental isolates. Bovine isolates, however, showed a 2.5% increase in comparison to 2013.
• S. Infantis: From 6.9% down to 3.7%, linked to a decrease in meat and bonemeal isolates.
• S. Montevideo: From 3.0% down to 0.6%, linked to a decrease in meat and bonemeal isolates.
• S. Typhimurium phage type 9: From 4.0% down to 1.2%, linked to a decrease in bovine isolates.
• S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant: From 8.2% down to 5.2%, linked to a decrease in feline isolates.

One serotype, S. Hindmarsh, showed an increase this year in comparison to 2013, rising from 5.8% to 10.6% mainly due to an increase in ovine isolates. A seasonal increase in S. Hindmarsh in sheep has previously been reported. No increase in human cases was observed.

Increase in S. Brandenburg during the month of September:

Occurrence of Salmonella Brandenburg infection in humans is a seasonal phenomenon in the southern half of the South Island (Baker et al. 2007 in Epidemiol. Infect. 135(1):76–83) and is often linked with occurrence of the serotype in livestock.
Salmonella Brandenburg has caused periodic epidemics of disease in sheep flocks in Otago and Southland since 1997 see: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/sheep/9090477/Bacterial-outbreak-killing-South-Island-sheep

Files:

2013 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2013 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2013 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2013:

There were 1216 human Salmonella isolates confirmed in 2013 (2012 n= 1106). S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant remained the predominant serotype, representing 10% of total isolates (6.6% 2012). Several Salmonella serotypes showed an increase this year in comparison with 2012 with the most significant increase observed in: S. Brandenburg (3.1% in 2012 to 4.3% in 2013), S. Saintpaul (2.4% in 2012 to 3.5% in 2013), S. Thompson (0.2% in 2012 to 1.3% in 2013), and S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant (6.6% in 2012 to 10.0% in 2013). Up until 2009, Salmonella Typhimurium represented over 50% of the Salmonella cases confirmed by ERL. Since the 2010, this serotype has represented less than 50% of the total human Salmonella serotypes confirmed by ERL.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant was known as S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May06 prior to July 2013. Further characterisation work undertaken by the Salmonella Reference Unit at Colindale (Public Health England) identified this phage type as a 56 variant.

Significant Outbreaks and/or Clusters:

S. Infantis
An increase in S. Infantis was reported in the Auckland and Northland regions during the months of April and May. PFGE analysis was performed on the human isolates as well as a S. Infantis isolated from a ham and egg sandwich. The results indicated that the Northland cases and the “ham and egg sandwich” from the implicated premise had an indistinguishable PFGE profile, suggesting a common source outbreak. The Auckland cases, although similar, were distinguishable from the Northland cluster.

S. Paratyphi A
Four cases of S. Paratyphi A were confirmed during the month of June.  These cases were linked to the cluster of enteric diseases in Auckland school children who had recently returned from Asia – (Source: ARPHS).

S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant
During the month of July, 16 isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant were confirmed. This compared with 6 human isolates during the same period last year.
An increase in this phage type was also confirmed in animal isolates. Since 01 July 2013, 29 animal isolates were confirmed (compared to 3 for the same period last year). 15/23 were isolated from cats and 9/23 from horses.

S. Brandenburg
An increase in the number of S. Brandenburg isolates (4 in August 2012 versus 10 in August 2013) was reported during the months of August and September. Occurrence of S. Brandenburg infection in humans is a seasonal phenomenon in the southern half of the South Island (Baker et al Epidemiol Infect 2007; 135:76-83) and is often linked with occurrence of the serotype in livestock. Salmonella Brandenburg has caused periodic epidemics of disease in sheep flocks in Otago and Southland since 1997.
See also: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/sheep/9090477/Bacterial-outbreak-killing-South-Island-sheep(external link)

S. Enteritidis
During the month of September, 15 isolates of S. Enteritidis of various phage types were confirmed. This compares with 6 cases during the same period last year. Forty percent (6/15 cases) of the cases had reported recent overseas travel.

S. Montevideo
A cluster of 5 cases of S. Montevideo was confirmed in the Bay of Plenty region during the month of November. PFGE analysis showed that all cases had undistinguishable PFGE profile. The profile was distinguishable to the PFGE profile from samples of imported tahini implicated in a similar outbreak in 2012. Local environmental investigations at the food premises did not identified any food control failures or sick food handlers that could account for the source of these infections.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2013:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 967 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2013 compared with 1021 in 2012.

There was a decrease in the number of bovine isolates (39.7% in 2012 vs. 31.9% in 2013), in meat/bone meal isolates (9.8% in 2012 vs. 8.4% in 2013) and food isolates (7.9% in 2012 vs. 6.9% in 2013).

A few serotypes showed an increase this year in comparison to 2012 and included: S. Agona (2.6% to 4.3%), S. Anatum (1.0% to 2.9%), S. Bovismorbificans (0.3% to 1.5%), S. Brandenburg (11.1% to 20.4%), S. Montevideo (1.8% to 3.0%), and S. Typhimurium phage type 9 (0.9% to 4.0%).

The number of Salmonella isolates from feline, environmental and poultry environmental source showed an increased this year in comparison to 2012.
- The increase of 2.8% in feline isolates was linked to the increase in S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant reported during the month of July. An increase was also confirmed in human isolates where 16 isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant were confirmed during July in comparison to 6 during the same period last year.
- The increase of 4.8% in environmental isolates was linked to the increase of S. Brandenburg and S. Anatum confirmed this year.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant
Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant was previously known as S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May 06. Further characterisation by the Salmonella Reference Unit at Colindale (Public Health England) identified this phage type to be a 56 variant. July

S. Mbandaka
There was an increase during the month of January in S.  Mbandaka isolates due to an outbreak linked to the consumption of contaminated tahini at the end of 2012. S. Mbandaka was isolated from the tahini resulting in a product recall.

S. Hindmarsh
An outbreak of Salmonella Hindmarsh in sheep was reported in Southland during May this year (http://www.3news.co.nz/Salmonella-outbreak-kills-hundreds-of-sheep/tabid/423/articleID/298018/Default.aspx). 

S. Brandenburg
There was an increase in the number of ovine S. Brandenburg isolates during the month of August. Occurrence of S. Brandenburg infection in humans is a seasonal phenomenon in the southern half of the South Island (Baker et al Epidemiol Infect 2007; 135:76-83) and is often linked with occurrence of the serotype in livestock. Salmonella Brandenburg has caused periodic epidemics of disease in sheep flocks in Otago and Southland since 1997.
See also: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/sheep/9090477/Bacterial-outbreak-killing-South-Island-sheep.

Files:

2012 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2012 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2012 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2012:

There were 1106 human Salmonella isolates confirmed in 2012 (2011 n= 1095). S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May 06 remained the predominant serotype, representing 6.6% of total isolates (7% 2011). Several Salmonella serotypes showed an increase this year in comparison with 2011 with the most significant increase observed in S. Montevideo (0.1% in 2011 to 2.4% in 2012) and S. Typhimurium phage type 108/170 (0.3% in 2011 to 1.5% in 2011).

Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 9a/11: Further typing was performed on isolates previously confirmed as Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 9a. The typing results revealed that some isolates previously reported as S.  Enteritidis phage type 9a were in fact phage type 11.

Significant Outbreaks and/or Clusters:

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 23:  A cluster of 13 cases was detected in the Auckland region during the months of January-March . PFGE analysis was performed on human and bovine isolates.  The bovine (Waikato) isolates had 3 distinct PFGE profiles, one of which was indistinguishable from the human cases (Auckland). This profile was also shown to be present in 2009, both in bovine (Waikato) and human isolates (Auckland region). No common source was identified.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 160: A cluster of 4 cases was detected in the Otago-Southland regions during the month of January. Cases were aged between 73-84 years old. No common source was identified.

Salmonella Saintpaul:
·    A cluster of 4 cases was detected in the Otago region during the month of January. This serotype is common in the South Island, i.e. between 74-80% of the S. Saintpaul isolates confirmed in the last couple of years were from the South Island.
·    An increase in Salmonella Saintpaul was also noticed in the South Island during the month of March. Three isolates of S. Saintpaul were also confirmed from reptile (http://www.surv.esr.cri.nz/enteric_reference/nonhuman_salmonella.php?we_objectID=2970(external link)) during that month.

Salmonella Infantis: An increase in Salmonella Infantis was noticed in the Wellington-Hutt region where 5 cases were confirmed during the month of February. Only one case was confirmed in the Wellington-Hutt region during the same period last year.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 193: Four cases were confirmed in the Waikato region during the month of April. The isolates were sent to the Antibiotic Reference Laboratory at ESR for susceptibility testing as overseas this phage type has been associated with multiple antibiotic resistance. The four Waikato isolates were fully susceptible to all antibiotics tested.
 
Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 197: This phage type was first isolated in New Zealand in 2005 from a case who had recently travelled overseas. Out of the 6 cases which have been confirmed since 2005, 4 have been from the Auckland region. An additional 3 cases were confirmed during the month of April from the Auckland region.

National cluster of Salmonellosis linked to imported contaminated tahini
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) typing was performed on case isolates associated with this outbreak , of which 3 Salmonella serotypes were identified. 17 cases have been microbiologically linked to imported contaminated tahini

S. Montevideo
·    17 cases confirmed - 12 with an indistinguishable PFGE “cluster” profile. The outbreak PFGE profile was indistinguishable from the Salmonella Montevideo isolated from unopened tubs of tahini (sesame seed paste) sourced from the warehouse of the Auckland distributor.
·    Cases were reported from the following DHBs: Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland, Northland, Waitemata and Hawke’s Bay.
·    Interviews with cases using hypothesis generating questionnaires established that Middle Eastern food had been consumed prior to becoming ill.
·    Six non-human isolates of S. Montevideo were confirmed from meat/bone meal in March 2012 and one from bovine in February 2012.
·    Molecular typing was performed on S. Montevideo human and non-human isolates and the “outbreak” PFGE profile was distinguishable from the bovine and poultry isolates that had been previously identified in NZ. This “outbreak” PFGE profile was sent to CDC for comparison. CDC had previously seen this PFGE profile which had been associated with a recent outbreak in September 2012 and for which no epidemiological  link was found.
·    The implicated product was traced forward to trade (cafes, takeaway restaurants), wholesale and retail providers. A trade withdrawal was initiated prior to confirmation of Salmonella contamination; a consumer-level recall commenced on 18/12/2012. All remaining product is on hold. Food Act Officers are following up the trade withdrawal to ensure product has been removed from sale.
·    Recall information: http://www.foodsmart.govt.nz/elibrary/consumer/gesas-tahini-recall.htm(external link)
·    Salmonella Montevideo, S. Maastricht and S. Mbandaka were isolated from unopened tubs of tahini (sesame seed paste) sourced from the warehouse of the Auckland distributor.

S. Mbandaka
·    3 cases confirmed from Auckland DHB with a PFGE profile indistinguishable from the Salmonella Mbandaka isolated from unopened tubs of tahini.
·    The PFGE profile of the S. Mbandaka isolated from tahini was distinguishable to bovine and poultry PFGE profiles that had been previously identified in NZ.

S. Maastricht
·    1 case confirmed from Auckland DHB with a PFGE profile indistinguishable from the Salmonella Maastricht isolated from unopened tubs of tahini.
·    S. Maastricht has not been identified in New Zealand previously to this outbreak.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2012:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1021 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2012 compared with 1439 in 2011.

Animal isolates decreased from 966 in 2011 to 616 in 2012, more specifically bovine isolates which decreased from 763 in 2011 to 406 in 2012. A decrease was observed in the following serotypes (2011 numbers in brackets): S. Emek, 19 (54), S. Typhimurium phage type 8, 30 (73), S. Typhimurium phage type 12a, 50 (100), and S. Typhimurium phage type 101, 53 (91).

There was a decrease in S. Agona (77 in 2011, 26 in 2012) due to a decrease in Meat and Bone Meal isolates.

There was an increase observed in the following serotypes: S. Livingstone (1 in 2011, 22 in 2012) due to an increase in environmental poultry isolates; S. Mbandaka (25 in 2011, 35 in 2012) and S. Montevideo (4 in 2011, 18 in 2012) due to the outbreak linked to the consumption of contaminated tahini.

Files:

2011 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2011 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2011 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2011:

There were 1095 human Salmonella isolates confirmed in 2011 (2010 n= 1195). S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May 06 was the predominant serotype, representing 7% of total isolates (7% 2010). Several Salmonella serotypes showed an increase this year in comparison with 2010 with the most significant increase observed in S. Enteritidis (9.5% in 2010 to 12% in 2011) and S. Typhi (2.5% in 2010 to 4% in 2011). The most significant decrease was seen in S. Typhimurium overall (from 50% in 2010 to 45% in 2011).

Significant Outbreaks and/or Clusters:
S. Agona: An increase of S. Agona was detected in the Auckland region during the month of March. All cases had attended the same social function.

S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May 06:
In May 2006, a new S. Typhimurium RDNC (reacts with phages but does not conform to a known phage pattern) phage type pattern was confirmed in New Zealand. The pattern was designated RDNC-May 06. The first isolate was from a 3-year-old male from Auckland with no history of overseas travel. For the next 2 years, S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May 06 spread throughout the North Island. In June 2008, the first human case was confirmed in the South Island (a 2-year-old male from Canterbury). Since 2006, human and non-human isolates of this new phage pattern have increased in prevalence, while other phage patterns have decreased. S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May 06 has spread from a single location to the entire country. It peaked at 85 human cases in 2010. Seventy-three human and 42 non-human isolates were confirmed in 2011. It has established itself as a pathogen in animals, particularly cats, cattle and horses, but has not yet been confirmed in sheep. In humans, DT RDNC-May 06 is isolated most of the year, with a peak in spring.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2011:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1439 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2011 compared with 1220 in 2010.

Animal isolates increased from 923 in 2010 to 966 in 2011, more specifically bovine isolates which increased from 557 in 2010 to 763 in 2011. This was partly linked to a Salmonella outbreak in dairy herds in the Taranaki, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Manawatu regions (http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/farming/6177026/Region-assesses-outbreak-risk).

In April 2011, S. Typhimurium phage type 110B isolated from a canary was reported. Further testing confirmed this isolate to be S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May 06.

There was an increase in the number of S. Brandenburg isolated from environmental sources with 91 confirmed in 2011 compared with 6 in 2010.

There was a general increase in the number of poultry isolates (2010 = 96, 2011 = 183) and in the number of S. Agona isolates (2010 = 25, 2011 = 77) mainly due to the number of meat/bone meal isolates.

Ovine isolates decreased from 159 in 2010 to 117 in 2011. S. Brandenburg isolated from ovine decreased from 94 in 2010 to 42 in 2011.

The two S. Paratyphi B var. Java were isolated from an aquarium and were linked to a human case in the Wellington region.

S. Derby was isolated from uncooked fermented meat (salami) resulting in a product recall. The uncooked fermented meat was part of a NZFSA survey.

S. Typhimurium phage type 2 was first identified this year in bovine.

S. Ruiru increased from 3 in 2009 to 22 in 2010, 21 of which were from bovine origin.

S. Mana was first isolated from a Takahe on Mana Island in 1998. It has since been isolated from skink and gecko on Mana Island (2006) and from skinks on Somes Island (2008). This year isolate was from a Takahe on Mana Island.

Files:

2010 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2010 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2010 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2010:

There were 1195 human Salmonella isolates confirmed in 2010 (2009 n= 1176). S. Typhimurium phage type 160 remained the predominant serotype, representing 9% of total isolates (9% 2009). Several Salmonella serotypes showed an increase this year in comparison with 2009 with the most significant increase observed in S. Typhimurium phage type 135 (1.7% in 2009 to 4% in 2010) and RDNC-May 06 (3.7% in 2009 to 7% in 2010). The most significant decrease was seen in S. Typhimurium phage type 1 (from 8% in 2009 to 3% in 2010).

Significant Outbreaks and Clusters:

Salmonella Infantis: An increase in S. Infantis was first reported in December 2009. PFGE analysis was performed on all S. Infantis isolates confirmed by ERL during the months of November 2009 right through February 2010. Cases with outbreak PFGE profile were further investigated. Most cases were from the Auckland (14) or South Canterbury region (10 cases). Epidemiological investigations linked the outbreak in the Auckland region to a food premise.

Salmonella Typhimurium RDNC-May 06: A significant increase in numbers of S. Typhimurium RDNC-May 06 was observed over the months of July through September in the North Island, mainly in the Auckland region. Of the 46 cases confirmed in the North Island, 21 were from the Auckland region and 29 were from children aged 6 years of age or younger (15 in the Auckland region). This phage type is one of our most common phage types in New Zealand.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 155: An outbreak of S. Typhimurium phage type 155 was reported in South Canterbury. The common food source was the mousse filling of two chocolate cakes (made to order) purchased from a South Canterbury café. The mousse filling contained uncooked egg whites. The eggs were from a small supplier who does not have a Risk Management Program. New Zealand Food Safety Authority was informed.

Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 135: Twenty-three S. Typhimurium phage type 135 were confirmed in the Otago region between September and December 2010. Twenty were from children aged 7 years old or younger.

Salmonella subsp I ser. 4,[5],12 : i : - : Five Salmonella 4,[5],12 : i : - were confirmed in the Auckland region in July, including a household cluster (2 cases). Salmonella enterica serotype 4,[5],12 : i : – is considered a monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium (4,[5],12 : i : 1,2) due to antigenic and genotypic similarities between the two serotypes. Overseas, the prevalence of this serotype among human salmonellosis cases has increased considerably since the mid-1990s.

Change of phage type designation:

After further testing by the Enteric Reference Laboratory, two phage type designations have been amended.
S. Typhimurium phage type 108/170: This phage type was previously known as S. Typhimurium phage type 12a variant 09. This new designation reflects the situation overseas where this phage type pattern is known as either DT 108 or 170.
S. Typhimurium phage type 185: This phage type was previously known as S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-Aug 08.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2010:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1220 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2010 compared with 888 in 2009.

Animal isolates increased from 577 in 2009 to 923 in 2010, more specifically bovine isolates which increased from 319 in 2009 to 557 in 2010.

There was an increase in S. Brandenburg from 137 in 2009 to 238 in 2010, the majority of which were from avian origin due to a surveillance program on kiwi birds.

The two S. Paratyphi B var. Java were isolated from an aquarium and were linked to a human case in the Wellington region.

S. Derby was isolated from uncooked fermented meat (salami) resulting in a product recall. The uncooked fermented meat was part of a NZFSA survey.

S. Typhimurium phage type 2 was first identified this year in bovine.

S. Ruiru increased from 3 in 2009 to 22 in 2010, 21 of which were from bovine origin.

S. Mana was first isolated from a Takahe on Mana Island in 1998. It has since been isolated from skink and gecko on Mana Island (2006) and from skinks on Somes Island (2008). This year isolate was from a Takahe on Mana Island.

Files:

2009 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2009 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2009 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2009:

There were 1176 human Salmonella isolates confirmed in 2009 (2008 n= 1399). S. Typhimurium phage type 160 remained the predominant strain, representing 9% of total isolates (9.7% 2008). S. Typhimurium phage type 9 was isolated from a 2 month old baby who had died of sudden infant death syndrome in the Otago region. Since 2005 the numbers of S. Typhimurium phage type 9 have progressively increased from 7 cases in 2005, 12 in 2006, 14 in 2007, 17 in 2008, to 24 in 2009. This phage type is found predominately in cattle.

There were four significant outbreaks:
S. Typhimurium RDNC-Aug 08 - The outbreak started in December 2008 with a total of 48 cases. No food source was linked to this outbreak.

S. Typhimurium phage type 1 - 38 cases. No food source was linked to the outbreak. The results of the case control study however suggested that the cases from Gisborne were linked to the consumption of watermelon from a grower in the Gisborne region. Molecular typing of the 38 cases revealed that the 19 cases from the Auckland region were not linked to the outbreak in Gisborne.

S. Typhimurium phage type 42 - 75 cases. The outbreak started in October 2008. The majority of these cases were connected to the consumption of raw flour. The same phage type was also isolated from bags of unopened flour and resulted in a voluntary withdrawal of the product by the manufacturer.

S. Typhimurium phage type 12a variant 09 – 11 cases. No food source was linked to this outbreak but all cases had recent overseas travel via Australia (or contact with someone with overseas travel) during the incubation period. This phage type is common in Australia but known as phage type 108 or 170 depending on the state. The Enteric Reference Laboratory will type Australian isolates for comparison with the New Zealand isolates. Results of molecular and phenotypic analysis will be posted on the website as they become available.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2009:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 888 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2009 compared with 1349 in 2008.

Poultry isolates decreased from 343 in 2008 to 160 in 2009. Poultry isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 101 decreased from 84 in 2008 to 4 in 2009. There was also a decrease in bovine isolates from 478 in 2008 to 312 in 2009.

The first isolate of Salmonella Rideau (antigenic formula 1,3,19 : f,g : -) was confirmed in New Zealand. The Salmonella Rideau was isolated from poultry feed.

The reptile isolates were predominantly from the screening of skinks and geckos by the Department of Conservation and Massey University before relocation.

The 16 avian Salmonella Brandenburg isolates were all isolated from kiwis as part of the surveillance programme at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

Files:

2008 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2008 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2008 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2008:

There were 1399 human Salmonella isolates confirmed in 2008 (2007 n= 1341). S. Typhimurium phage type 160 remains the predominant strain, representing 9.7% of total isolates (11.3% 2007). S. Typhimurium phage type 101 and S. Saintpaul have increased to 5% (3.2% 2007) and 2.5% (1.9% 2007) respectively.

There were three significant outbreaks:
S. Chester - 54 cases. The outbreak started in October 2007 with a total of 84 cases. No food source was linked to this outbreak.

S.Mbandaka - 36 cases. No food source was connected to the outbreak. The results of the case control study however suggested the consumption of chicken breast meat as a possible risk factor.

S. Typhimurium phage type 42 - 62 cases. The majority of these cases were connected to the consumption of raw flour. The same phage type was also isolated from bags of unopened flour and resulted in a voluntary withdrawal of the product by the manufacturer.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2008:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1349 non-human Salmonella isolates in 2008 compared with 1001 in 2007.

There was an increase in bovine isolates from 236 in 2007 to 478 in 2008, 56% (n = 267) of which were from the Waikato region which experienced severe winter conditions. The predominant serotype was S. Typhimurium phage type 8 (n= 53). Poultry isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 101 increased from 29 in 2007 to 84 in 2008.

The first New Zealand isolate of S. Yoruba (antigenic formula 16: c : l,w) was confirmed. The S. Yoruba was isolated from poultry feed.

Eleven isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 42 were confirmed from batches of opened and unopened flour and resulted in a voluntary withdrawal of the product by the manufacturer.

Files:

2007 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2007 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2007 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2007:

There were 1341 human Salmonella isolates confirmed in 2007 (2006 n= 1404).  S. Typhimurium phage type 160 remains the predominant strain, representing 11.3% of total isolates (18.5% 2006).  S. Typhimurium phage type 1 and S. Infantis have increased to 6.8% (5% 2006) and 6.4% (4% 2006) respectively.

There were four significant outbreaks:

S. Typhimurium phage type 156 - 18 cases connected to a privately catered function.
S. Montevideo - 7 cases connected to a Wellington food premise.
S. Chester - 25 cases with no common food source identified.
S. Enteritidis phage type 26 - 6 cases connected to a privatley catered function.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2007:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1001 non-human isolates in 2007 compared with 1417 in 2006.

There has been a reduction in ovine and bovine isolates of S.Brandenburg and ovine isolates of S.Hindmarsh from previous years.

The first isolates of S.Bousso antigenic formula 6,14,25 :z4,z23 : - in New Zealand were confirmed. They were isolated from skinks on an island in the Coromandel region.

Files:

2006 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2006 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2006 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2006:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1404 isolates compared with 1460 in 2005. Isolates of S.Typhimurium phage type 160 have increased slightly to 18.5% of total isolates (17% in 2005, 18% in 2004).

Overseas travel is indicated in 13% of total isolates.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2006:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1,417 non-human isolates in 2006 compared with 1,520 in 2005.

Isolates of S.Brandenburg in sheep have increased from 14% in 2005 to 16% in 2006. S. Hindmarsh in sheep has also increased from 7% in 2005 to 11% in 2006.

The first New Zealand isolate of S. Borreze was isolated during a NZFSA project. The serotype was confirmed by the Pasteur Institute, Paris.

Isolates of S. Mana were isolated from a skink and a gecko from Mana Island. The first isolate of this serotype in the world was in 1998 from a Takahe living on Mana Island.

Files:

2005 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2005 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2005 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2005:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1,460 isolates in 2005 compared with 1,229 in 2004. Isolates of S.Typhimurium phage type 160 have decreased further to 17% of total isolates (18% in 2004, 21% in 2003).

Overseas travel is indicated in 17% of total isolates.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2005:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1,520 non human isolates in 2005 compared with 1,152 in 2004.

Isolates of S. Brandenburg in sheep have increased from 13% in 2004 to 14% in 2005, conversely S. Hindmarsh isolates have fallen from 9% in 2004 to 7% in 2005.

Of note is the increase in isolations of S. Typhimurium phage type 101, this is particularly apparent in the poultry industry representing 39% of total poultry isolates in 2005 compared with 13% in 2004.

Two serotypes were isolated for the first time in New Zealand, S. Bijlmer from blue tongued lizards and S. Mountpleasant from and iguana.

Files:

2004 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2004 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2004 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2004:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1,229 isolates in 2004 compared with 1,601 in 2003. Isolates of S.Typhimurium phage type 160 have decreased from 21% of total isolates in 2003 to 18% in 2004. Conversely isolates of S.Brandenburg from the endemic areas of the South Island have increased from 2% in 2003 to 6% in 2004 (a corresponding increase in isolates from sheep abortions is noted on the nonhuman tables). Overseas travel is indicated in 161 (13%) of the total isolates.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2004:

The Enteric Reference Laboratory confirmed 1,152 isolates from nonhuman sources in 2004 compared with 1,099 in 2003. Isolates of S.Brandenburg from sheep abortions in the endemic area of the South Island have increased to 13% of total isolates (9% 2003). Isolates of S.Hindmarsh from sheep have increased to 9% of total isolates (6% in 2003).

Files:

2003 Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella

2003 Human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip file of monthly reports

2003 Non-human salmonella isolates annual summary   |   Download zip of monthly reports

____________________________________________________________________

Summary of Human isolates for 2003:

One thousand sixteen hundred and one isolates were confirmed in 2003 compared with 2067 in 2002.
S Typhimurium phage type 160 was the predominant strain isolated. S Typhimurium isolates previously reported as phage type RDNC Aug-01 have now been identified as phage type 74.

 _________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Non-human isolates for 2003:

There were 1099 non human isolates confirmed in 2003 compared with 1411 in 2002.

S Typhimurium phage type 1 was the most common isolate from the poultry industry.
S Brandenburg was the most common animal isolate although isolates from sheep and cattle abortions in the South Island continue to drop.