Salmonella persistence and antimicrobial resistance in poultry facilities

Salmonella (non thyphoidal) is a bacterium that can cause illness in animals and humans. Salmonella can contaminate eggs, it can be transferred from infected hens before the egg is laid, or after due to environmental contamination. Producers can reduce the risk of Salmonella infection in their flocks by cleaning and disinfecting layers houses between flocks. However, Salmonella can use different mechanisms to persist in the environment. Surface adherence and biofilm formation are two of the more important mechanisms that allow Salmonella to survive in the environment. The overarching goal of this proposal is to assess the role of biofilms regarding the capacity of Salmonella Enteritidis to form biofilms, to survive, persist, and transfer to eggshells, and to penetrate eggshells. The goal is also to determine the impact of various environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, on Salmonella adaptation and persistence, including biofilm formation and resistance to sanitizers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Claudia Narvaez Bravo;Tim McAllister

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Poultry Research Council;Manitoba Egg Farmers

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: