Diversity of Salmonella serovars in feedyard and nonfeedyard playas of the Southern High Plains in the summer and winter.
OBJECTIVE
To compare Salmonella isolates cultured from feedyard and nonfeedyard (control) playas (ie, temporary shallow lakes) of the Southern High Plains.


METHODS
Water and muck (sediment) samples were obtained from 7 feedyard playas and 3 nonfeedyard playas in the winter and summer.


METHODS
Each water and muck sample was enriched with sulfur-brilliant-green broth and incubated in a shaker at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. A sample (100 mL) of the incubated bacterial-enriched broth was then mixed with 100 mL of fresh sulfur-brilliant-green enrichment broth and incubated in a shaker at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. After the second incubation, a swab sample was streaked on differential media. Suspect Salmonella isolates were further identified by use of biochemical tests, and Salmonella isolates were confirmed and serovar determinations made.


RESULTS
Salmonella isolates were not recovered from the 3 control playas. Seven Salmonella enterica serovars were isolated from 5 of 7 feedyard playas in the summer, and 13 S. enterica serovars were isolated from 7 of 7 feedyard playas in the winter. In the summer, 296 isolates were cultured, and 47 were Salmonella organisms. In the winter, 288 isolates were cultured, and 171 were Salmonella organisms.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that feedyard playas are frequently contaminated with many Salmonella serovars. These pathogens should be considered whenever feedyard managers contemplate the use of water from these playas. Water from feedyard playas should not be used to cool cattle in the summer or for dust abatement.
Purdy
Charles W
CW
USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, 2300 Experiment Rd, Bushland, TX 79012, USA.
Straus
David C
DC
Clark
R Nolan
RN
D044822:Biodiversity; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D012475:Salmonella / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012621:Seasons; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013781:Texas; D014871:Water Microbiology