Salmonella in calves

Salmonellae are endemic on most large intensive farms and salmonellosis is a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Disease and mortality usually reflect a variety of management events and environmental stressors that contribute to compromised host immunity and increased pathogen exposure. The diversity of salmonella serovars present on farms, and the potential for different serovars to possess different virulence factors, require the implementation of broad prophylactic strategies that are efficacious for all salmonellae. This article discusses strategies to promote host immunity and minimize pathogen exposure at the farm level. The benefits of control include a reduction in disease incidence and mortality, reduced drug and labor costs, and improved growth rates.