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Summary of dissertation

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can spread between animals and humans. This mainly happens through the consumption of contaminated food, posing a significant challenge to food safety and public health in the Netherlands and across Europe. Efforts to control it, especially in poultry, have reduced human cases over the years, but progress has stalled recently. 

This research focuses on Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), a common type, examining its sources, resistance to antibiotics, and environmental factors among human cases in recent years. It also suggests ways to tackle the stagnation in reducing cases.

From 2006 to 2015, SE cases fell in the Netherlands and Belgium but later plateaued, with eggs identified as the top source of outbreaks across Europe, followed by pork. SE outbreaks were particularly linked to eggs and became more common in Eastern Europe.

Genetic analysis of SE infections in the Netherlands showed many recurring clusters with no clear cause, while antibiotic resistance in SE increased yearly, especially linked to travel outside Europe. Despite reduced antibiotic use in Dutch livestock, the link between farm antibiotic use and resistance in humans was limited for SE but stronger for other Salmonella types. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity also influenced cases.

Experts identified gaps in poultry monitoring and premature easing of control measures as key issues. Recommendations include better biosecurity, sampling, and poultry vaccination. The study concludes that controlling Salmonella requires a One Health approach, addressing human, animal, and environmental factors together. Poultry remains a critical focus for prevention.