Salmonellosis in Young Calves: A Perplexing Problem beyond Diarrhea

Abstract

Introduction: Salmonellosis is a well-known infectious disease invading both adult and young cattle, commonly characterized by severe diarrhea and septicemia in calves as well as fever, dysentery, abortion, increased salivation, and decreased milk production in adults. Rapid outbreaks and heavy mortality rates have turned Salmonella spp. into a violent organism from farmers’ and experts’ perspectives. The objective of this article was to pragmatically underline different aspects of Salmonellosis infections in young calves with emphasis on novel clinical and post-mortem signs.  

Case report: Two calves aged 70–80-day old were primarily diagnosed with respiratory disease, high body temperature (> 40°C), and hyperpnea in the Behroozi Dairy Farm, Tehran, Iran. Calves were treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics (amikacin and penicillin) immediately, but they died the next day. After that, the number of ill calves increased dramatically and 120 calves were discovered with the same signs, including persistent high body temperature, hyperpnea, and recumbency. Early diagnosis and proper treatment and nursing were key factors in reducing the recovery time and mortality rate.

Conclusion: In some salmonellosis cases, treatment could become complicated due to developing resistance to various antibiotics. Calves born in filthy calving pens and those with depressed immunity are susceptible to salmonellosis. Therefore, complying with sanitary practices as well as precise nutrition programs for pre-weaning and weaning calves could provide a preventive tool to reduce the risk of Salmonellosis outbreak.