Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Brandenburg (antigenic formula 4,[5],12:l,v:e,n,z15) is a serovar of the O:4 (B) serogroup. In New Zealand, in 1996 S. Brandenburg emerged in the sheep population and caused a number of outbreaks. During these outbreaks in sheep, S. Brandenburg has caused abortion in pregnant ewes and has killed approx. the half of infected ewes. In addition, outbreaks in cattle have also been reported in New Zealand. It is considered an occupational hazard, because farmers can acquire the disease by contact with infected animals.

Animal reservoir: Serovar Brandenburg is found in different animal species (turkey, cattle, and sheep). However, in New Zealand, it is predominantly found in ruminants (sheep mostly).

Geographical distribution: Serovar Brandenburg is reported among the 15th most common serovars in Europe, and it is endemic in ruminants (sheep and cattle) in New Zealand.

Outbreaks: Outbreaks have occurred in different countries since 1963. Outbreaks in sheep in New Zealand are common since 1996; these outbreaks are characterized by abortion in ewes.   

Year

Location

Associated source

Number of cases

2008

Italy

Restaurant associated

Approx. 200

2001

Japan

Hospital associated

-

1992

Switzerland

Not clear, multiple foods and animals were found positive

Several outbreaks

1963

England

Pork products

-

 

Relevant links and references:

  1. http://www.business.otago.ac.nz/sirc/conferences/2001/17_higgan.pdf
  2. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/sheep/9090477/Bacterial-outbreak-killing-South-Island-sheep
  3. http://www.jpmh.org/issues/201152102.pdf
  4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11754160
  5. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/farming/175358/salmonella-devastating-flocks-south
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