[Agricultural animals as a source of yersiniosis]

The role of agricultural animals as the sources of infection was studied. 8 Yersinia strains were isolated from 83 samples taken from cattle. Yersinia were isolated from feces, udder washings and milk. In the examination of 63 samples obtained from sheep the infective agent was isolated from feces in 6 cases. 6 Yersinia strains were isolated from 92 fecal samples taken from pigs. Y. enterocolitica were isolated from sick animals. The isolated strains were classified with serovars 03, 058, 08 and 09. In the foci of animal infection thus revealed antibodies to various Yersinia strains were detected in the blood sera of the animal-tending personnel, which indicates the professional character of the spread of this infection among humans. The infection is probably transferred by the contact and alimentary routes.