Salmonellae in cattle and their feedingstuffs, and the relation to human infection

Abstract

1. The incidence of salmonellosis in cattle in England and Wales has been investigated.2. S. dublin and S. typhi-murium were much the commonest serotypes encountered.3. The frequency of both serotypes was highest in the last quarter of the year, which is the period of maximum calvings. The high incidence of calf infection in this quarter is probably related to calf sales and movement.4. In the previous investigations (Reports, 1959a, 1961), these serotypes were isolated only infrequently from the raw materials of animal feedingstuffs and from complete animal foods.5. The distribution of phage-types of S. typhi-murium in cattle was compared with that in man and in animal feedingstuffs. Six phage-types were common both in cattle and in man. These types were: 1a (2), 1 var. 5 (U9), 1a var. 1 (3an), 1 (1), 1a (U57) and 2 (12). Three of the types found in feedingstuffs were common in both human and bovine infections. These types were: 1a (2), 1a (U57)and 2 (12).6. In a study of ten incidents of salmonellosis in cattle, it was shown that the same phage-type or serotype was commonly found in man in other farm animals and occasionally in feedingstuffs.7. It is clear that salmonellosis is spread into different regions of the country by calf movement.8. The importance is endorsed of conditions of travel and lairage, and of the holding time at abattoirs, in the promotion of cross-infection with salmonellae.9. Measures are outlined for the reduction of salmonellosis in cattle and of its transfer to man.