How to Cure Salmonella in Cattle
Salmonella bacteria infects an estimated 16 to 73% of U.S. dairy farms and 38% of feedlots. There are over 2,200 strains of salmonella. This bacteria characteristically infects the gut of cattle. Once infected, the animal may or may not show clinical signs of sickness. Salmonellosis is a term used to describe physically ill cattle. Symptoms of infected cattle include diarrhea, fever, dehydration, bloody feces, emaciation, rapid breathing, foul odor to feces, sloughing of skin from extremities and sudden death. Salmonella is typically passed from animal to animal via fecal-oral contact. Feed contamination is the usual cause of salmonella infection.
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Instructions
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Treat and Eliminate Further Outbreak
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Once infection is detected, use antimicrobial drugs to control further outbreaks. Fecal cultures will determine the infecting strain and what type of drug is most effective. Minimize inflammation and prevent septic shock by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Make feed available at all times to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Separate infected cattle to help prevent infecting the rest of the herd.
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Test all incoming cattle to prevent exposing infected new animals to the existing herd. If possible, know the history of all cattle purchased. Have a veterinarian test all cattle even if they are only being housed temporarily. Periodically testing all cattle will help prevent future outbreaks. Fecal testing is the best way to ensure each animal is salmonella free. Vaccinating will help with controlling certain strains of salmonella such as Typhimurium or Dublin.
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Use separate equipment to handle feed and manure. If this isn't possible, sterilize equipment after handling manure. Salmonella can survive in the environment for months in manure and other organic materials. Prevent tracking manure onto feeding surfaces while performing daily duties. Control wild birds to keep droppings out of feed while in storage. Clean and sanitize calf milk bottles and buckets. Keep all feeding and watering areas clean. Never spread manure on fields intended for grazing or feeding. Eliminate transmittal from farm to farm by sanitizing the boots of visitors from other farms. Following these standard biosecurity measures greatly reduces the risk of transmitting many infectious diseases.
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