Canine salmonellosis: prevalence, epizootiology, signs, and public health significance.

Of 53 salmonella serotypes isolated from dogs, S typhimurium and S anatum have been the most commonly isolated. Surveys have disclosed that over 20% of the dogs in a population may be infected. Simultaneous, multiple infections with 2 or more serotypes are not unusual. Nonclinical salmonellosis occurs in most cases. The severe form of the disease is manifested by diarrhea, vomiting, fever, depression, abortion, and death. Dogs may remain carriers and fecal shedders and thus serve as sources of salmonellosis for man and other animals. A number of documented transmissions from dogs to human beings have been recorded. Such infections in man have been severe.