Salmonellosis in Equidae: a study of 23 cases.

This research focuses on the prevalence and variety of Salmonella infections in horses, with a study involving 23 cases. Contributing factors such as physical, surgical, and environmental stress have been analyzed. The study also underscores that good care, supportive and symptomatic treatment are essential for managing equine salmonellosis.

Research Details

• The research delves into Salmonellosis in horses, a significant worldwide concern, with infected rates potentially ranging from a meager 0.36% to a quite substantial 27%. It suggests that between 5% to 10% of horses in the United States are or have previously been infected by the bacteria.

Diversity of Salmonella Strains

• The study identifies over 40 different types of Salmonella that have been isolated from horses. The most common strains observed are S. typhimurium (66.31%), S. enteritidis (9.6%), S. newport (5.16%), and S. heidelberg (4.89%).

Clinical and Bacteriological Study

• The researchers studied 23 naturally occurring infections in a large veterinary hospital, of which nine horses were infected with S. typhimurium, eight with S. anatum, one with S. newport, four with dual serotype infections, and one untyped Salmonella.

Stress Factors in Salmonellosis

• The study examined the impact of physical, surgical, and environmental stress factors on the occurrences and severity of Salmonella infections. These factors play a significant role in the susceptibility of horses to these infections.

Duration of Shedding and Antimicrobial Therapy

• The study observed that the fecal shedding of Salmonella organisms persisted for over three and a half months. Even during and post-therapy with antimicrobials, Salmonella was isolated from horse feces, underlining the stubborn nature of these infections.

Treatment Recommendations

• The research emphasizes the critical importance of supportive and symptomatic treatment along with meticulous nursing care in managing cases of equine salmonellosis. This reiterates that merely relying on antimicrobial therapy is not sufficient to combat the infection.