Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Brandenburg (antigenic formula 4,[5],12:l,v:e,n,z15) is a serovar of the O:4 (B) serogroup. In New Zealand, in 1996 S. Brandenburg emerged in the sheep population and caused a number of outbreaks. During these outbreaks in sheep, S. Brandenburg has caused abortion in pregnant ewes and has killed approx. the half of infected ewes. In addition, outbreaks in cattle have also been reported in New Zealand. It is considered an occupational hazard, because farmers can acquire the disease by contact with infected animals.
Animal reservoir: Serovar Brandenburg is found in different animal species (turkey, cattle, and sheep). However, in New Zealand, it is predominantly found in ruminants (sheep mostly).
Geographical distribution: Serovar Brandenburg is reported among the 15th most common serovars in Europe, and it is endemic in ruminants (sheep and cattle) in New Zealand.
Human outbreaks: Outbreaks have occurred in different countries since 1963. Below are a few examples.
Year | Location | Associated source | Number of cases |
2008 | Italy | Restaurant associated | Approx. 200 |
2001 | Japan | Hospital associated | - |
1992 | Switzerland | Not clear, multiple foods and animals were found positive | Several outbreaks |
1963 | England | Pork products | - |
Animal outbreaks:
Year | Location | Breed | Number of cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | New Zealand | Ewes | 100~180 |
Border rejections:
Year | Exporting country | Importing country | Associated source | Product category |
| 2022 | Poland | Latvia | Chicken leg quarter1 | Poultry meat and poultry meat products |
| 2021 | Lithuania | Latvia | Pork chop mass, chilled | Meat and meat products (other than poultry) |
1 Salmonella Brandenburg was found in 2 out of 5 samples.
Recalls:
| Year | Location | Recalled food | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | France | Chorizo made in Spain | Meat and meat products (other than poultry) |
| 2020 | Italy | Formaggio Raschera | Milk and milk products |
Relevant links: