Epidemiology of Salmonella Fecal Shedding in Subclinically Infected Dairy Herds

Abstract

Salmonellosis can produce serious economic losses to dairies in terms of reduced animal health and production. The organism responsible for the disease more commonly exists in the subclinical form, which allows the organism to persist in the herd for extended periods of time. Animals infected with Salmonella organisms pose significant health risks to other animals and people on the farm, as well as risks to the safety of the human food supply due to infected milk or contaminated meat from culled animals. Unfortunately, little is known about the epidemiology of subclinical salmonellosis in dairy environments. By characterizing shedding patterns in infected animals, critical control points can be identified on the dairy at which disease prevention and control measures can be directed.