Enteric salmonella are the most frequently isolated pathogens of bacterial diarrhea in Switzerland. Since 1987, increasing numbers have been reported to the Federal Health Office. The causes of this rise in salmonellosis prevalence, which has been observed in a number of countries, are the high rates of contamination in different foods, mainly in poultry and eggs. It has been shown that the usual kinds of egg preparation are not suitable for the elimination of salmonella, which may also be found inside the egg-shells. The solution to this problem involves measures of veterinary epidemiology and food hygiene. The epidemiologic significance of the asymptomatic carrier is considered to be rather slight. However, prolonged excretion of salmonella repeatedly results in social and economic problems, because the carrier food handlers are excluded from work when and for as long as they are excreting salmonella. Current possibilities in antibiotic treatment for these and other salmonellosis patients are discussed.