23
Views
10
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Scientific Article

The prevalence of salmonella infection in sheep at slaughter

Pages 110-113 | Published online: 23 Feb 2011
 

Abstract

The prevalence of subclinical Salmonella infection in sheep at slaughter was monitored at two slaughter-houses in the southern part of the North Island over a 17-month period during 1975 and 1976. The crude prevalence rate was 4.7% (96/2027). Prevalence rates were greatest in the 2 and 4-tooth age group, with maximum monthly rates of 30%and 32% during 1975 and 1976 respectively. The seasonal distribution of infections was similar in each age group, prevalence rates being greatest in March, April and May, and least in October, November and December.

Salmonella typhimurium was found in 78% of the infected sheep, and phage-type 1 caused 72% of these infections. Other serotypes isolated were S. bovis-morbificans, S. derby, S. newingion, S. saintpaul, S. anatutn and S. enieritidis. The organisms were all fully sensitive to nine antibiotics. On the grounds that 87% of the infected sheep had salmonellae in their intestinal lymph nodes, it was deemed likely that most of the infected sheep harboured their infections while still on the farms of origin.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.