Descriptive epidemiology of salmonella infection in Minnesota herds

Abstract

Based on the limited random sampling of calves on farm, at market and at slaughter, the prevalence of excreting animals and infected herds appears to be relatively low. However, based on Diagnostic Laboratory results, there has been a very significant increase in the number of calf-hood epidemics of salmonellosis in Minnesota during the last decade. Most of this increase can be ascribed to S. dublin and closely related Group D variants. As these Salmonellas are bovine-adapted, it is presumed that herd introduction occur when calves, or adult cattle are purchased or otherwise commingled. Current testing procedures are still limited in their ability to determine both herd and individual animal status.