Salmonella Senftenberg

Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Senftenberg (antigenic formula: 1,3,19:g,[s],t:-) is a serovar of the O:1,3,19 (E4) serogroup. While S. Senfenberg is a rare serovar in human cases (only 7 cases in 10 years in the US), it has been linked with several outbreaks. This serovar is though, very common in animals and food. In the US S. Senftenberg is among the top 5 serovars isolated from food, and among the top 11 serovars isolated from clinical animals. Among source of outbreaks are contaminated basil and alfalfa sprouts.

NCBI Pathogen Detection link for serovar Senftenberg: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pathogens/isolates/#(taxgroup_name:%22Salmonella%20enterica%22%20AND%20computed_types:(%22serotype=Senftenberg%22))%20AND%20computed_types:(%22serotype=Senftenberg%22)

Genetic characteristics:

Animal reservoir: Poultry is one of the identified reservoirs, but this serovar has also been found in other animals.

Geographical distribution: This serovar is widely distributed, it has been found in North America, Europe and Asia.

Human Outbreaks:

Year	Location	Associated source	Number of cases
2022-2023	Multi-country, EU, US	Tomatoes	92
2022	US-Multistate	Peanut butter	21
2016	US-Multistate, Canada, Mexico Peru	Pistachios	2
2014	US-Multistate	Pistachios	8
2010	US-Multistate	Salami	11
2007	EU	Basil	55
1997-98	US-two states	Alfalfa sprouts	52
1995	England	Baby cereal	5

Border rejections:

Year	Exporting Country (if applicable)	Country Issuing Rejection	Food
2025	Poland	Czech Republic	Poultry meat and poultry meat products
2024	Ukraine	Germany	Organic sunflower seed cakes
2020	Gambia	United Kingdom	fish maws
2023	India	Germany	Sesame seeds