Survey on Salmonella contamination of Golden Jackals by microbiological culture methods and PCR in Golestan and Mazandaran Provinces

Introduction and Salmonella spp. are zoonotic pathogens have been infected a wide range of domestic and wild animals. Opportunistic wild carnivores such as Golden jackal (Canis aureus) which stray in high numbers around the rural areas can act as potential sources of salmonella spp in humans and wild & domestic animals in North Iran.
The object of this survey was to examine the Salmonella spp infection including the antibiotic-resistant pattern in golden jackals in Golestan and Mazandaran Province.
Material and Between 2013 and 2015, fecal samples of 50 road-killed Golden jackals (Canis aureus), were collected and analyzed for Salmonella contamination by classical microbiological culture methods and PCR followed by serotyping and determining of antibiotic resistant pattern.
5 Salmonella belonging to 2 serotypes: S typhymurium (3/5) and S arizona (2/5) were isolated by culturing and PCR. The rate of Salmonella contamination was similar between females and males and higher incidence detected in jackals under 2 years old.
10% Salmonella infection of sampled golden jackals highlights the neglected role of this species in zoonotic diseases dissemination and posing a great threat to human health in rural areas of Golestan and Mazandaran Provinces.
The epidemiological study on role of wild animals in the spread of salmonella and developing strategy for salmonellosis prevention and control seems necessary.