The prevalence, serotypes and antibiograms of Salmonella isolates on Thoroughbred stud farms in New South Wales and Victoria.
Abstract: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality within horse populations, worldwide. The prevalence of Salmonella shedding in faeces has largely been reported in hospital settings, with limited information from general horse populations. Further, there is little understanding of the serotypes and antibiograms of Salmonella isolates from horses in Australia. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the prevalence of Salmonella in stud farm horse populations, (2) determine serotypes and antibiograms for isolates, and (3) determine whether seasonal, animal, farm or management factors are associated with Salmonella shedding. A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed on 11 Thoroughbred stud farms in New South Wales and Victoria between 1 April 2023 and 30 March 2024. Faecal samples were collected every 3 months (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and data for each animal and farm were obtained. Standard bacteriological culture methods were used to isolate Salmonella and serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined. A total of 1476 faecal samples from 1330 horses were submitted. Salmonella was isolated from 5 horses (0.4%, 95% CI 0.2-0.9) on four farms during summer and autumn: S. Mbandaka (2), S. Typhimurium (2) and S. Wandsbek (1). No isolate was multidrug-resistant (MDR). Five stud farms reported a history of a horse shedding Salmonella on the property (NSW: 4, Victoria: 1) and four farms reported vaccination for Salmonella. The prevalence of Salmonella on Australian Thoroughbred stud farms is low with varied serotypes involved and without evidence of MDR.
© 2025 The Author(s). Australian Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.
Publication Date: 2025-03-14 PubMed ID: 40084645DOI: 10.1111/avj.13437Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article investigates the prevalence and characteristics of Salmonella isolated from Thoroughbred stud farms in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. It documents a low prevalence of Salmonella, identified the types of the bacterium present, and no evidence of multi-drug resistance was found.
Objectives of the Study
- The study aimed to analyze the incidence of Salmonella among horse populations in stud farms, with a focus on understanding the strains and their respective resistance to antibiotics (antibiograms).
- The researchers sought to examine the potential factors associated with the shedding of Salmonella, including seasonal variations, characteristics of the horses, and farm management practices.
Methodology
- A longitudinal cohort study was carried out on 11 Thoroughbred stud farms in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia, over a year.
- Periodically (every three months), faecal samples were collected for bacteriological culture to identify the presence and type of Salmonella. Simultaneously, data regarding each horse and the farm were collected.
Findings
- Out of 1476 faecal samples from 1330 horses, Salmonella was found in only 5 horses (0.4% prevalence) during the summer and autumn seasons.
- The isolated Salmonella strains were S. Mbandaka, S. Typhimurium, and S. Wandsbek; no multidrug-resistant strains were identified.
- Five out of the eleven stud farms had a history of a horse shedding Salmonella, and four farms had carried out vaccination against Salmonella.
Conclusions
- The study indicates a low occurrence of Salmonella among Thoroughbred horses in stud farms, with distinct varieties found but without any evidence of multidrug resistance. This suggests that while the risk is low, monitoring and control measures are still important to prevent potential outbreaks.
Cite This Article
APA
McTernan SP, Heller J, Clulow JR, Gannon L, Huang R, Tidd N, Blishen A, Hughes KJ.
(2025).
The prevalence, serotypes and antibiograms of Salmonella isolates on Thoroughbred stud farms in New South Wales and Victoria.
Aust Vet J.
https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13437 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
- Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, Australia.
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
- Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, Australia.
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
Grant Funding
- Agrifutures Australia
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