Salmonella

Salmonellosis causes diarrhea and abortion in cattle, and some salmonella types are a serious threat to human health. Infected animals will remain a carrier for the disease and infect other animals and their environment. Controlling salmonella protects the herd and the people who handle the cattle. Carriers should be removed from the herd to prevent further spread. Biosecurity measures prevent salmonella from entering the herd. Vaccination protects animals against infection and may reduce contamination of the environment.

Salmonellosis can have a significant impact on health, growth, and production as well as in certain countries trade restrictions and movement restrictions are placed on herds with salmonellosis.

In calves, Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin is associated with diarrhoea, septicaemia, arthritis, pneumonia, chronic ill thrift and ultimately increased calf mortality. Salmonella Dublin triggered abortions is often seen in infected herds and result in significant costs.¹

The Teagasc (Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre) in Ireland has estimated that a spring-calving herd of 100 cows can lose over €9 400 due to reduced milk yield (6% less milk produced). Vaccinations have been shown to cost-effective to reduce losses due to abortions and production losses.²