Salmonella in Cattle: A Growing Concern for Farmers

Published: Nov 2024

Salmonella in Cattle 

Unfortunately, we have recently seen an increase in the number of herds testing positive for  Salmonella. There are many species of Salmonella that infect cattle and humans meaning its important to have good hand hygiene out on farm. Salmonella Dublin is reported to be the most common stereotype and this is what we have found on Shepton farms. Signs of infection vary greatly and partly depend on the age of the affected animal.   

Young calves can present with septicemia, which rapidly can progress to death, initially these calves are dull and depressed, sometimes there will be scours. However, it is more common to see disease in older calves typically between 2-6 weeks old. Unfortunately, if adult cows are affected, infection can result in abortions usually between 5-8 months of pregnancy. It can result in abortion storms involving 25% of the herd. Cattle that abort have subsequent placental retention and poor lactation, contributing to the overall cost of disease. 

Control of salmonella on farm, involves good cleanliness, biosecurity and utilizing vaccination to help boost the herds immunity to infection. We will be discussing Salmonella at our next winter discussion group. Mick Miller and Dom Harrison from Bristol University Farm Postmortem Services will be joining us to highlight the key factors that contribute to infection. I will also be discussing farm control strategies in more detail.

Post Mortem pictures of a 4 week old calf that died from Salmonella septicemia.  The carcass is very yellow and shows lots of purple spots throughout the lungs.