Prevalence and serotypes of Salmonella associated with goats at two Australian abattoirs

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and serotype of Salmonella in goats presented for slaughter. A total of 121 goats were examined for the presence of Salmonella in matching rumen, faecal and carcass samples. Samples were analysed for the presence of Salmonella following the Australian Standard AS 1766.2.5-1991. Salmonella was isolated from 56 (46.3%) faecal samples, 55 (45.5%) rumen samples and 35 (28.9%) carcass samples. The dominant serotypes isolated were Salmonella serotype Saintpaul (31%), Salmonella serotype Typhimurium (13%) and Salmonella serotype Chester (11%). Salmonella was isolated from at least one of the three sample sites in 68% of animals. Carcase contamination with faeces, compared with rumen liquor, is a greater hazard for Salmonella contamination of goat carcases. Goat meat is a potential source of Salmonella serovars associated with human disease. Goat carcases contaminated with Salmonella during slaughter could be a source of food-borne disease if consumed raw or inadequately cooked, or may be a source of cross-contamination to other foods.