Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Testing of apparently healthy free-range chickens revealed the detection of Salmonella in 2.11% (5/237) and 8.04% (16/199) of the samples by culture method and PCR, respectively, with an overall detection rate of 8.86% (21/237). Primary histopathological lesions consistent with Salmonella infection were observed in the liver and spleen at Days 10 through 150 and in the intestines at Days 120 through 150. Sinusoidal congestion (83.3%) and lymphoid hyperplasia (66.7%) were the most predominant lesions in the spleen persisting from Day 10 until Day 150. Cloudy swelling (40%) with cytoplasmic granulation and typhoid nodules (26.7%) were observed in the liver beginning Day 10. Cecal tonsil activation was observed at Day 10, while structural changes and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the submucosa were the significant histopathological changes in the intestines throughout Day 150. Salmonella is a silent threat to public health in subclinical infections. Active surveillance and monitoring of this pathogen should be carried out continuously to improve detection and diagnosis. Sustainable mitigating strategies should be designed for free-range poultry to control Salmonella and achieve food security and safety.
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7220134747