Scientists studying the behaviour of Salmonella bacteria have discovered how the pathogen makes itself resistant to disinfectant. A University of Liverpool study found that the bacteria, which is responsible for causing the foodborne illness salmonellosis, can live inside single-celled organisms – amoebas - both in water and on land, thus protecting themselves in an environment in which they can multiply. The researchers now want to look into how the risk of Salmonella contamination in the food chain can be reduced by controlling amoeba in water supplied to animals.