Whole genome sequencing in Salmonella surveillance and control

Salmonella is an important and increasing cause of foodborne gastroenteritis in Australia. Unlike the US and the European Union, notifications of Salmonella have been increasing over the last 15 years in Australia. As whole genome sequencing (WGS) becomes available for routine Salmonella typing in the coming years, it will be important to assess the impact of changing testing practices on surveillance and outbreak detection. This study will investigate the trends, burden and sources of Salmonella in Australia, as well as examine the public health implications of new Salmonella testing and typing technologies. This will have implications for prioritising food safety interventions and enhancing Salmonella surveillance in Australia.