Salmonella Yeerongpilly in a Chinese Owl (Columba livia domestica) in Jamaica.

Salmonella infection in bird species in Jamaica was studied. This revealed that very low prevalence of salmonellosis was found (0.32 %). Salmonella Yeerongpilly (newly reported in the country) was isolated from a bird collected at a bird aviary. This study showed that there was the presence of this Salmonella serovar in a Chinese owl (Columba livia domestica) in Jamaica. There were not published reports from Caribbean Islands of the presence of this serovar. Salmonella Yeerongpilly belongs to serogroup E1 and by molecular serotyping random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting belongs to A20, B17 and C21. This strain was isolated in Queensland Australia in the 1960s before the successful Salmonella eradication campaign. This study suggests that a larger investigation in pet birds as Salmonella carriers should be carried out in Jamaica. Mandatory screening or quarantine of birds entering the country should be institutionalized.

A DNA Vaccine versus Attenuated Vaccine to Protect against Salmonella Infection in Chickens.

The aim of this study was to vaccinate layer hen chickens against Salmonella infection. Two vaccines were assessed for efficacy and safety: a DNA vaccine containing Salmonella genomic DNA encapsulated in a liposome as a vector and a live attenuated Salmonella vaccine comprising 5 attenuated Salmonella serovars that were attenuated using indigenous plant extracts such as garlic and onion. The results showed that both vaccines had a high protection capacity, preventing Salmonella infection after challenge with a wild type of SalmonellaTyphimurium. Hyper-immune eggs inhibited the growth of Salmonella spp in vitro in immunized chickens. ELISA demonstrated the specific antibody production to LPS of S. Typhimurium. Post-mortem studies confirmed the presence of salmonellosis in the control group but not in immunized chickens with either vaccine. This study shows that Poultry salmonellosis can be prevented by the use of prophylactic DNA or live-attenuated vaccines (LAV).