Prevalence of Salmonella in beef feeder steers as determined by bacterial culture and ELISA serology.
Results are presented for monitoring Salmonella infection by bacteriological culture and immune response (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and haptoglobin) testing of samples collected from beef cattle at a single feedyard sampled over time. A total of 120 beef steers were examined on entry to the feedyard and at days 30, 60, and at time of slaughter (120-150 days). Isolations of Salmonella decreased over time from 40% of the steers sampled at day 0 to 0% at slaughter, whereas serological results varied by serogroup. Seropositivity increased for Salmonella group B up to day 60, and subsequently decreased to about half of the 60-day positivity rate at the time of slaughter. No significant changes in seropositivity were detected during the course of the study for the four other Salmonella serogroups (C1, C3, D1, and E1). Haptoglobin measurements were not a good indicator of Salmonella infection status. Sequential Salmonella testing either by culture, ELISA, or both could be used to monitor pathogen control practices.
Galland
J C
JC
Food Animal Health and Management Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506-5606, USA.
House
J K
JK
Hyatt1
D R
DR
Hawkins
L L
LL
Anderson
N V
NV
Irwin2
C K
CK
Smith
B P
BP
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000662:veterinary*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012475:Salmonella / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology*