[Twenty-five years' experience in epidemiology and prophylaxis of epidemics at the Centre for Salmonella of Hamburg (author's transl)].

Salmonella-epidemiology has changed fundamentally since underdeveloped countries have entered international trade and export food-supplies which, due to less stringent controls, are already contaminated either in the countries of origin or in transit. This is shown by numerous case histories of food-poisoning. Multifarious causes of infection from imported food-stuffs are exposed and also the epidemiological consequences from latently infected fat-stock and poultry. Prophylactic measures and advice on preventive treatment are given. The progressive automation in many factories and plants, with aspirations to the highes-degree of efficiency, frequently hides potential sources of infection with a shining facade of chrome and plastic. In the planning and servicing of technical installations, which later may well prove to be a source of infection, sanitary experts are rarely consulted, or if so too late. This paper also emphasises the considerable influence of mass-tourism with the consequent introduction of exotic Salmonella serotypes, and also the potential danger of faeca contamination on motorway rest-stops.