Event Details

PHO Rounds: Scales, Tails and Salmonella: A Comparative Analysis of Human and Reptile Isolates

As reptiles become more popular as household pets in Canada, the number of reptile-associated outbreaks of Salmonella has increased. To understand which reptile species are associated with human Salmonella infection, this PHO Rounds presents a retrospective analysis of human case data for all people with confirmed or probable Salmonella infection, reported in Ontario from 2015-2022. Serotypes of infection among those cases reporting reptile contact were compared to veterinary Salmonella isolates reported during the same period. The study found that reptile species commonly reported by cases were similar to those with detection of Salmonella. Some serotypes identified in human cases (with reptile exposure) were closely related with reported contact with a specific reptile species. These results can be used to inform education of reptile owners, breeders and sellers, and may be useful for public health unit investigators when considering source attribution during case or outbreak investigations.

Intended audience: Public health unit staff with an interest in zoonotic disease, public health physicians, primary care physicians, epidemiologists, public health inspectors

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• List common Salmonella serotypes associated with reptiles.
• Describe the Salmonella transmission risks associated with reptile ownership.
• Identify practices that can reduce the risk of infection from reptile contact.
• Identify the association between Salmonella, reptiles and feeder prey to support outbreak investigations.

Presenter(s): Dr. Katherine Paphitis and Dr. Alexandra Reid

Dr. Katherine Paphitis, PhD, MSc, CPHI(C), CIC is the Enteric & Zoonotic Specialist at Public Health Ontario. Her primary research interests are One Health and the epidemiology of enteric and zoonotic diseases, including salmonellosis.

Dr. Alexandra Reid, PhD, DVM is a Lead Veterinarian in the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Her responsibilities include regulatory response and emergency management, exotic, aquatic and alternative species, and wildlife-domestic animal interface issues. She leads two Ontario Animal Health Networks for aquatic animals and wildlife.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accreditation

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.