Salmonella Typhimurium
DT160 in house sparrows in
Australia
Fact sheet
Introductory statement
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 has been identified in sick and healthy house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in
North America and Europe and has recently disseminated to New Zealand and Australia (Penfold et al. 1979,
Tizard et al. 1979, Alley et al. 2002, Animal Health Australia 2009, 2010, Lawson et al. 2010). In New Zealand,
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 caused mass mortality of house sparrows in 2000 (Alley et al. 2002) and since
then it has become a major cause of human salmonellosis (The Institute of Environmental Science and
Research 2004, 2008, 2013) and transmission from infected sparrows to humans and other animals has been
suggested (Alley et al. 2002, Connolly et al. 2006). The first case of salmonellosis caused by S. Typhimurium
DT160 in Australia was reported from the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit - Public Health Laboratory
(MDUPHL, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Melbourne) in December 2001 as
acquired during a visit to New Zealand and a further 8 cases were reported in January 2003 from passengers
on a cruise ship travelling between Sydney and New Zealand. The first locally acquired case of S.
Typhimurium DT160 was reported from a one year old child in Hobart in August 2008. The first outbreak in
Tasmanian sparrows (Animal Health Australia 2009, 2010) was reported in 2009 following identification by
private veterinary practitioners at Hobart in southern Tasmania. S. Typhimurium DT160 has the potential to
cause additional mortality events in house sparrows in Tasmania and also to spread to the Australian
mainland. Infected sparrows also have the potential to be sources of infection for native species of high
conservation value, humans and domestic animals.
Aetiology
Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium definitive type (DT) 160.
Natural hosts
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 does not have a specific target host. A wide range of mammals and birds can
be infected and animal species from which S. Typhimurium DT160 has been isolated are listed below.
Birds: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 has been documented to cause fatal infections in house sparrows and
other passerines including greenfinches (Carduelis chloris), goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis), blackbirds
(Turdus merula), three species of parrots, sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cocatua galerita), kaka (Nestor
meridionalis), and Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) and has caused disease in ducks and quail
(Tizard et al. 1979, Ministry for Primary Industries 2000, 2003, Callaghan MS and Simmons G 2001, Alley et al.
2002, Lawson et al. 2010, Piccirillo et al. 2010).
Livestock: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 has been isolated from sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, deer and alpaca
in New Zealand. It is possible that many of these animals were diseased, but this information is not available
(Alley et al. 2002, Ministry for Primary Industries 2003).
Pets and other animals: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 has also been isolated from dogs, cats and rabbits
(Ministry for Primary Industries 2000, 2003, Alley et al. 2002) in New Zealand and from monkeys, otters and
shellfish in other countries (Ministry for Primary Industries 2003).
Humans: Humans are susceptible to infection and disease caused by S. Typhimurium DT160. The zoonotic
potential of this strain has been noted. In the New Zealand outbreak in 2000, bird, domestic animal and
human cases all increased dramatically at the same time over a few months (Penfold et al. 1979, Villar et
al.1999, Alley et al. 2002, Ministry for Primary Industries 2003).
World distribution
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 has been identified in Canada (Tizard et al. 1979), the United Kingdom
(Penfold et al. 1979, Lawson et al.2010), the United States (Villar et al. 1999), New Zealand (Alley et al. 2002,
Thornley et al. 2003), Italy (Piccirillo et al. 2010) and Australia (Tasmania – below). Although it has caused
sporadic mortality of wild birds in winter, infection with S. Typhimurium DT160 is uncommon in most
countries (Alley et al. 2002, Connolly et al. 2006).
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 had not been found in Australasian countries until its first detection in 1998
in New Zealand (Thornley et al. 2003), from a one-year old child living near Christchurch (Ministry for Primary
Industries 2003). In 1999 a further three isolations were obtained from the same area (Ministry for Primary
Industries 2003) and then in 2000, human infection with S. Typhimurium DT160 spread over most of New
Zealand. Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 remains one of the most frequently isolated causes of human
salmonellosis in New Zealand (Ministry for Primary Industries 2003, The Institute of Environmental Science
and Research 2004, 2008, 2013, Price-Carter et al. 2011).
In animals, S. Typhimurium DT160 was first identified in New Zealand from a domestic cat in Christchurch in
May 2000 (Ministry for Primary Industries 2003). From June 2000, mortalities in house sparrows were
reported initially in Christchurch and by early October 2000, 1303 dead sparrows and 97 other dead birds
including 15 blackbirds, 11 silvereyes and 10 ducks were officially reported across New Zealand (Callaghan
and Simmons 2001). Investigation of the dead sparrows during the outbreak suggested septicaemia caused by
S. Typhimurium DT160 (Alley et al. 2002). Infection was not confirmed in the silvereyes or the ducks.
WHA Fact sheet: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows | December 2013 | 2
Positive samples have been reported in New Zealand birds as recently as 2011 (Environmental Science and
Research 2011). However, because of cost constraints fewer bird samples are now being submitted for testing
(Brett Gartrell, pers. com. 2013) and whether the incidence rate is increasing, decreasing or remaining stable
is unknown.
Occurrences in Australia
From 2008 to late 2013 there have been 44 human cases of infection with S. Typhimurium PT160 notified in
Tasmania, including 15 cases in 2009 and 12 cases in 2012. Cases were initially restricted to the south of the
state; since 2011 there have been 5 cases apparently acquired in the north.
In winter and spring 2009, unusual house sparrow mortalities were observed in the greater Hobart area of
Tasmania (Animal Health Australia 2009). Between June and November 2009, S. Typhimurium DT160 was
cultured from a number of dead house sparrows (21 isolates reported in NEPSS) and a silvereye (Zosterops
lateralis race lateralis - Animal Health Australia 2009, 2010), also from a domestic cat, a wombat in the wild
and a captive sulphur-crested cockatoo (Animal Health Australia 2009, 2010, NEPSS 2009). There were 15
human cases in 2009, all from Hobart.
Between 2010 and 2012 there were reports from two more cockatoos, a chicken, a sheep and another
domestic cat. One of the cockatoos and the cat were located in the north of the state and were the first
animal reports, in July and August respectively, from this region. There were 29 human cases in this period, 22
from greater Hobart, 4 from greater Launceston (the first in September 2011) and 3 cases in 2010 from
Orange in central west New South Wales.
In July 2013, a member of the public reported a number of dead sparrows in the Launceston area, Tasmania,
to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE). More than 30 sparrows
were found dead. Two sparrows were submitted to the DPIPWE Animal Health Laboratories at Mt Pleasant
for investigation with Salmonella isolates referred to MDUPHL, Melbourne for further typing. Salmonella
Typhimurium DT160 was confirmed from lesions in both birds. Two human cases were reported to NEPSS
from this region, in August and October 2013. DPIPWE and the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human
Services advised the public to avoid contact with sparrow droppings and dead birds, and to cover water tanks
to prevent contamination from same (Animal Health Australia 2013).
Epidemiology
Based on experimental inoculation studies of S. Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows, mortality and the
ratio and frequency of faecal excretion are significantly dose-dependent (Connolly et al. 2006). When infected
with 103 cfu of S. Typhimurium DT160 or less, sparrows can shed the bacteria asymptomatically at least for 10
days, which is likely to contribute to the spread of salmonellosis to humans and other animals (Connolly et al.
2006). Although the origin of S. Typhimurium DT160 responsible for the recent epidemic in New Zealand is
unknown, introduction by a human or animal carrier is suspected (Alley et al. 2002). Similarly, introduction of
S. Typhimurium DT160 to Australia might have been by an asymptomatic human or animal.
Given that this organism has been able to migrate from the Northern hemisphere, become established in New
Zealand and then Tasmania, it is possible it could transfer to mainland Australia at any time. The chance of
spread is particularly likely as house sparrows and blackbirds are common across a wide range of Australia.
Some of the eight continental races of silvereye are highly migratory, including race lateralis which migrates
WHA Fact sheet: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows | December 2013 | 3
between Tasmania and the southern and eastern Australian mainland states each year (Simpson and Day,
2004).
Clinical signs
Affected house sparrows may exhibit a dazed appearance, reluctance to move, then collapse and die rapidly.
Some birds will exhibit vestibular signs. These signs only persist for a short time before the bird dies, so most
house sparrows with systemic disease are found dead (Alley et al. 2002, Connelly et al. 2006). Subclinically
infected sparrows do not show signs of disease.
Diagnosis
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 can be cultured from multiple tissues, including spleen, liver, intestine and
crop from freshly dead birds. It can also be cultured from faeces of subclinically infected animals.
Pathology
Although affected sparrows show good body condition, significant gross lesions are typically found in liver and
spleen. Livers are often pale and swollen and spleens are enlarged and reddened. Forty percent of affected
birds will have cream-coloured plaques on the mucosa of the crop. Histologically, liver and spleen show
multifocal necrosis with infiltration by lymphocytes, plasma cells and occasional. Coagulative necrosis of the
brain stem is also a common lesion. Lesions in the crop are characterized as caseous granulomas often with
mucosal ulceration. Colonies of bacteria are often seen in all of these lesions (Alley et al. 2002).
Differential diagnoses
Because affected house sparrows die rapidly from Salmonellosis, differential diagnoses include other diseases
that can rapidly kill birds. Potential differentials could then include avian influenza and Newcastle disease,
other systemic bacterial infections, and toxins such as organophosphates (Balcomb et al. 1984).
Laboratory diagnostic specimens
Macerated intestinal contents or their swabs and fresh liver are collected for bacterial culture. The samples
should be kept chilled and transported to the laboratory within eight hours of collection without exposure to
soap or disinfectant. If delivery to the laboratory within eight hours is impossible, the samples should be
refrigerated at 4°C or, for long term storage, at less than -70°C or on dry ice.
Laboratory procedures
Bacterial culture: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 is readily isolated by traditional methods used to isolate
other Salmonella. Initially samples are incubated in an enrichment broth (e.g. selenite broth) and then plated
onto a selective medium such as xylose-lysine-deoxycholate agar. Identification of suspected Salmonella
colonies are then confirmed by inoculation onto triple sugar iron agar (TSI) and lysine iron agar (LIA) slants. In
the TSI slant, salmonellas are typically seen to ferment glucose and produce hydrogen sulphide gas. In the LIA
slant, Salmonellas are typically seen to decarboxylate lysine and again produce hydrogen sulphide. For
phenotypic characterisation Salmonella isolates are serotyped by slide agglutination tests using antiserum
raised against specific somatic and flagellar antigens (Grimont and Weil 2007). Phage typing is used to
WHA Fact sheet: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows | December 2013 | 4
determine the definitive type (DT) and this is conducted at reference laboratories by means of a
bacteriophage-typing system (Anderson et al. 1977).
Genetic characterization: PFGE has been used to study the relatedness of isolates from different individuals
and different species (Tenover et al. 1995, Torpdahl et al. 2005).
Treatment
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 is sensitive to ampicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, tetracycline and trimethoprim (Thornley et al. 2003).
House sparrows are feral animals and also usually found dead. Therefore, treatment for S. Typhimurium
DT160 is neither indicated nor applicable. However, treatment may be indicated in native species of high
conservation value, and in humans and domestic animals. Refer to your local animal healthcare professional.
Prevention and control
Salmonella spp. are susceptible to a wide range of disinfectants including 1% sodium hypochlorite, 70%
ethanol, 2% glutaraldehyde, iodine-based disinfectants, phenolics and formaldehyde. They can also be killed
by moist heat (121°C for a minimum of 15 min) or dry heat (160-170°C for at least 1 hour). To prevent the
spread of salmonellosis in house sparrows, bird feeders should be kept hygienic through regular cleaning,
disinfection and drying. To prevent transmission to humans, contact with sparrow droppings and dead birds
should be avoided. Covering of rainwater tanks is recommended.
Surveillance and management
Since 1980, the National Enteric Pathogens Surveillance System (NEPSS) has collected, analysed and
disseminated data on human enteric bacterial infections diagnosed in Australia. Reports of isolates are
received from the five reference laboratories capable of serotyping Salmonella within Australia; two of these
laboratories perform phage typing. Salmonella isolates are submitted to these laboratories by other
diagnostic laboratories throughout the country. Mass wild bird mortality events are reported as part of
Australia’s general wildlife health surveillance system.
Wildlife disease surveillance in Australia is coordinated by the Wildlife Health Australia. The National Wildlife
Health Information System (eWHIS) captures information from a variety of sources including Australian
government agencies, zoo and wildlife parks, wildlife carers, universities and members of the public.
Coordinators in each of Australia's States and Territories report monthly on significant wildlife cases identified
in their jurisdictions. NOTE: access to information contained within the National Wildlife Health Information
System dataset is by application. Please contact [email protected].
The S. Typhimurium DT160 event in Tasmania (Animal Health Australia, 2009) was detected as a result of
work by local private practitioners with an interest in wildlife health. They collated the data and researched
the occurrence of S. Typhimurium DT160 outbreaks internationally, which led to recognition and reporting of
the outbreak to the Australian Wildlife Health Network. This is a good example of the importance of
practitioners as the frontline for wildlife health surveillance in Australia and the need to actively incorporate
them into national surveillance arrangements for wildlife. Without the good work of these local veterinary
practitioners, this first event may have gone unrecognized.
WHA Fact sheet: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows | December 2013 | 5
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 is now considered enzootic in Tasmania but wildlife screening for this
organism does not occur routinely. However, since the 2009 episode, awareness has increased and
salmonellosis is now included nationally as part of the list of differential diagnoses in mass bird mortality
events. Investigation into the recent sparrow mortalities reported at Launceston in northern Tasmania was
informed by lessons from the 2009 event in Hobart in the south of the state.
Research
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 does not appear to have spread widely into other avian species, but
monitoring bird deaths, especially in the Hobart and Launceston areas, is indicated. On mainland Australia,
passerine deaths, particularly blackbirds and house sparrows, should be investigated as they may be
indicative of the spread of S. Typhimurium DT160 or the emergence of other pathogenic Salmonella
serovars/phage types. Salmonella isolates from birds should be serotyped and phage-typed when possible
and the results reported to your local wildlife coordinator and the NEPSS.
Human health implications
House sparrows generally live in close proximity to people and commonly come to bird feeders, which
increases the risk of Salmonella exposure to humans (Tizard 2004). Possible pathways of transmission can be
through direct contact with sparrows, transmission via carnivorous pets such as cats having contact with
sparrows, or transmission via the contaminated environment. If infected, humans may exhibit symptoms such
as diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.
Conclusions
Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows, and to a lesser extent other birds, causes asymptomatic
infection or acute septicaemia resulting in death. Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 can be transmitted to
humans and cases of human salmonellosis concurrent to mass mortalities of sparrows have been reported in
Australia. Because house sparrows often live in close proximity to humans it is important that S. Typhimurium
DT160 is excluded in cases of mass mortality events in house sparrows and other passerine birds. A useful risk
mitigation strategy is public awareness. Also, native species with conservation value may be exposed to
sparrows infected with S. Typhimurium DT160 or their droppings through predation or artificial feeding.
Given the ability of this organism to disseminate globally, introduction into the Australian mainland is likely at
some point in the future. The importance of private practitioners as part of Australia’s biosecurity
arrangements is demonstrated.
Recommendations
Hygiene: handwashing after contact with dead birds, bird feeders, after contact with pet cats if they have
killed or played with a sick bird etc., also their food and water bowls
Precautions with rainwater tanks: covering these is essential if used for drinking water
WHA Fact sheet: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows | December 2013 | 6
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Acknowledgements
James Harris and David Obendorf first identified S. Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows in Tasmania. We
are grateful to them and also to Ai Fukutomi and David Phalen who provided the initial draft of this fact sheet.
The work was significantly improved by comments and data provided by Geoff Hogg, Joan Powling and Mary
Valcanis of the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit - Public Health Laboratory (MDUPHL, Department of
Microbiology & Immunology, The University Of Melbourne), the National Enteric Pathogen Surveillance
Scheme (NEPSS), the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and the Environment, and Dr Mark
Veitch, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services.
Updated: 4 December 2013
To provide feedback on this fact sheet
We are interested in hearing from anyone with information on this condition in Australia, including laboratory
reports, historical datasets or survey results that could be added to the National Wildlife Health Information
System. If you can help, please contact us at [email protected].
Wildlife Health Australia would be very grateful for any feedback on this fact sheet. Please provide detailed
comments or suggestions to [email protected]. We would also like to hear from you if
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WHA Fact sheet: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows | December 2013 | 9
Disclaimer
This fact sheet is managed by Wildlife Health Australia for information purposes only. Information contained
in it is drawn from a variety of sources external to Wildlife Health Australia. Although reasonable care was
taken in its preparation, Wildlife Health Australia does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability,
completeness, or currency of the information or its usefulness in achieving any purpose. It should not be
relied on in place of professional veterinary consultation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Wildlife
Health Australia will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in or arising by reason of any
person relying on information in this fact sheet. Persons should accordingly make and rely on their own
assessments and enquiries to verify the accuracy of the information provided.
WHA Fact sheet: Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in house sparrows | December 2013 | 10