[Global transmission of Salmonella--increased risk in Norway. Interdisciplinary measures are necessary to maintain Norway's favourable situation].

Over the last 20 years, Salmonella infections in humans have increased considerably in the industrialized world, including Norway. The situation has been characterized as a serious problem, with considerable economic, political and public health implications. In contrast to the situation in most other countries, a large majority of the Norwegian patients have contracted the infection abroad. The endemic level of salmonellosis in Norway is low, and the prevalence of Salmonella in Norwegian food products is negligible. Appropriate intersectorial actions are required to maintain Norway's favourable status. Such actions include: preventing import of infected food, feed, and live animals; ensuring good hygienic practices at all stages of production, processing, and preparation of food; maintaining the present good health status of meat producing animals; providing consumers with drinking water of adequate hygienic quality; and intensifying national and international collaboration to prevent and control salmonellosis.