Presence of Salmonella sp. in dog feces in the municipality of Lacerdópolis – Santa Catarina - Brazil

Salmonella spp. are Gram-negative bacilli from the family Enterobacteriaceae, they are widely distributed in nature and survive in the intestinal tract of birds, reptiles and mammals, as well as in humans. They are recognized as important zoonotic agents and for causing food borne illnesses around the world. The main infection route is fecal-oral and contaminated food and water are considered the main agents that bear this microorganism; however, contamination from contact with contaminated animals is also considerable. The present study had the objective of evaluating the presence of Salmonella sp. in feces of asymptomatic dogs in the Municipality of Lacerdópolis - Santa Catarina. Swabs were used to collect 40 feces samples. The protocol used for the analysis was based on the International Standart Organization ISO 6579:2002 and ISO 6579:2007 norms for the research of Salmonella, for which the methodology was adapted for fecal swab analysis. From the sample total, 15%, in other words, six animals were Salmonella sp. carriers, all male dogs of mixed breed that presented in relation to health care and wellness. Regarding these results, it is important to study these bacteria in pets and gain knowledge on its pathogenicity and on human contamination through contact with sick animals or asymptomatic carriers.Keywords: Enterobacteriaceae. Zoonotic Agents. Asymptomatic Carriers