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Summary
Salmonella agona caused severe losses in pregnant sheep and lambs during a field outbreak. Experimental infections in non-pregnant sheep were mild, but Salmonella persisted in feces for up to 69 days.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Salmonellosis outbreaks can cause significant economic losses in livestock.
- Salmonella agona is a specific serotype that can affect sheep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a field outbreak of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella agona in sheep.
- To investigate the pathogenicity and persistence of Salmonella agona in experimentally infected sheep.
Main Methods:
- Field outbreak investigation in pregnant ewes and neonatal lambs.
- Experimental infection of non-pregnant sheep with Salmonella agona.
- Bacteriological isolation and characterization of Salmonella agona.
- Media comparison for optimal Salmonella isolation.
Main Results:
- Field outbreak resulted in severe losses in pregnant ewes and lambs.
- Experimental infection in non-pregnant sheep was mild and transient.
- Salmonella agona was not isolated from carcasses 28 days post-infection.
- Salmonella agona persisted in feces for up to 69 days in one ewe.
- Selenite enrichment broth at 43°C with brilliant green agar provided the best cultural results.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella agona poses a significant threat to pregnant sheep and neonates.
- Disease severity varies between pregnant and non-pregnant sheep.
- Effective diagnostic methods are crucial for controlling Salmonella outbreaks in sheep.